June 3, 2020—All over the country and here in the Bay Area, communities are grieving and protesting to demand justice after the horrific murder of George Floyd and countless other instances of police brutality and racism. As author and historian, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, has stated in his recent article for the Atlantic: “racism is America's nightmare. There can be no American dream amid the American nightmare of anti-black racism—or of anti-Native, anti-Latino, anti-Asian racism."
Art by Nikkolas Smith
At Refugee & Immigrant Transitions, we believe in human rights, dignity, and racial justice. We stand in solidarity with everyone impacted by police brutality and by systemic racism that devalues the lives of people of color in this country and around the world. Our deep condolences go to the families and friends of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and others who were killed because of their race.
Many of our students have sought refuge from state violence and police brutality in their home countries. Many continue to be racially profiled and discriminated against in the U.S.
We recognize the toll that anti-Blackness and institutional racism have taken on our country, and advocate for solidarity across communities. Our vision is a welcoming society, where everyone, no matter their background, are welcomed and cherished. As an organization, we commit to continuous learning and deep reflection on our own biases, privileges, and spheres of influence.
We invite you to visit the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota website for the latest information and action items regarding the George Floyd case. For more anti-racism resources, please see this list by Black Lives Matter.
In solidarity,
Refugee & Immigrant Transitions Staff and Board of Directors