TOGETHER WE STAND AGAINST RACIAL INJUSTICE

Community Engagement is a small, all-volunteer organization whose purpose is to support artists and arts organizations working with the community for change. The killing of George Floyd (as were the killings of Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, and countless others) was horrifying to us. But we have been horrified many times before. This time it feels different. Concepts, once unimaginable, like “defunding police” now have currency. Symbols of oppression, such as confederate battle flags, have been banned by NASCAR and military bases honoring confederate generals may be renamed. 

All significant societal change in America has been originated by the people: the labor movement, women’s suffrage, civil rights movement, LGBTQ rights, and the anti-war movement. In all cases, people try to have their voices heard and when that fails, they take to the streets. We are hopeful that the recent multi-racial/multi-cultural protests that have been occurring (and growing larger) may presage a societal tipping point and that finally something more than incremental change may result.  

We all must pick a side in this struggle. You cannot be neutral. We believe if you are not supporting those in the street, you are complicit in the perpetuation of an essentially racist and unjust system. Community Engagement supports Black Lives Matter. 

Everyone has the ability to do something to promote the change you’d like to see. If you have money, give to organizations fighting for those goals. If you have time, volunteer. Ultimately, it is vitally important to vote. Most politicians are not leaders, they are a reflection of those they represent. You have to make them do what’s right by voicing your position and voting for those who share your ideals. If you don’t like what you see, consider running for office yourself.

Community Engagement will continue to support artists and art organizations working in the community for a more equitable future. The last three years have been a terrible setback for basic rights, but if we continue to work toward these goals, to paraphrase Martin Luther King – the long arc of history will again be bent toward justice. 

Board of Directors:
Jonathan Webb
Madeleine Spencer
Yvonne Flores
Annabella Pritchard