WHEDco’s Statement on the Death of George Floyd

We are angered, saddened and disheartened by all the blatant acts of violence, hate and racism perpetrated against Black people and other people of color by police and individuals in New York City and across the country. The recent death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis, the 911 phone call that Amy Cooper made about an innocent bird watcher in Central Park, and the killing of Breonna Taylor by police in her own Louisville, KY home are just a small handful of terrible acts signifying that we still have far to go to create a safe and equitable society.

We continue to stand firm as an organization in our support of what is right and just for all people. Our strength is rooted in our diversity, in how we celebrate and value our differences as much as the things we share in common. We represent that in our work, employment practices and our respect for one another, and take seriously our responsibility to oppose and override false narratives of criminality, otherness, poverty, and marginality that are commonly used to oppress Black and Brown people and communities.

We support all lawful efforts to bring justice for the individuals, families, and whole communities who will bear the weight of the loss of life and other racist acts. We support the call for better screening, training, oversight and accountability of our police departments locally and nationally. We reject and advocate against the racist policies and practices that harm the lives of people we employ, serve, house, and work with every day. WHEDco’s commitment is to build safe, supportive places and spaces for staff and community members where racism and discrimination are not tolerated.