FP4A Community,
Americans across the country are outraged over the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man in police custody, and the militarized response to peaceful protests. These events, alongside the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless others, have cast yet another spotlight on the persistent racial injustices that threaten Black Americans. We stand in solidarity with the Black community as they express grief, shock, anger, and fear over police violence.
FP4A is committed to doing our part to address structural racism. Our vision for principled American leadership in the world depends fundamentally on our ability to uphold human rights, to earn the esteem of our allies, to empathize with others, and to use power wisely.
We don’t have all the answers, but we want to share with you the commitments we’ve discussed as a team. We’re asking you for your partnership in tackling these goals:
First, as individuals, we know that each of us can help defeat the forces of division and hate. We will listen and learn without ego or defensiveness, empathize with and stand up for those who are afraid, and de-escalate conflict when it arises. We promise to confront racism whenever we see it.
Second, we’re committed to taking political action together. We need to restore decency to the White House and replace Members of Congress who fan the flames of injustice. If you’re on this list, you’ll see plenty of opportunities to help.
Third, we will take action on policy. There is no one policy prescription that can address the scourge of police violence against Black Americans. We plan to do our small part by pushing back against militarized policing, including by lobbying to end the failed program to equip police units with military equipment from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Fourth, we will partner. Other organizations are leading this fight, and we plan to support their efforts. In particular, we’re going to support campaigns to ensure every American has the opportunity to safely vote this year. But there are a number of organizations you can support today to have a more immediate impact. Here are a few:
We’ll close by sharing part of a statement from our friends at Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security (WCAPS):
“Acts of discrimination against Black people and people of color will never make this country great. All forms of supremacy must be opposed, making room for the vision of a country that can regain its status as a world leader in both equity and justice. We have a long way to go, and it is entirely too long overdue. Still, the clarity and visibility of intolerance and its impact brings forth an opportunity for the masses to oppose oppression on all fronts and in all its ugly forms.”
Please reach out and share with us your thoughts. We take strength and inspiration from this community, and we hope you do as well.
– FP4A Team
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