From Robyn: As a mother of two black men and grandmother of two black boys, the events of the last week and a half have been heart wrenching, painful and terrifying.
From Lisa: As a person who is not of color, I am heartbroken at the systemic racism in our country and world. I want to own my part in it and do whatever needs to be done to help bring change.
George Floyd is the latest name in a long list of black men who have been wrongfully killed by police – Tony McDade, Michael Brown, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, DJ Henry – along with black women like Breonna Taylor and Sandra Bland. Is this the moment that turns the tide toward justice and reform? Is this the outrage that finally gets the world’s attention? We hope so. We pray that it’s so.
This is not our normal Thoughtful Leadership post and these are not normal times. We are heartened by the many calls and notes of solidarity and outrage Robyn has received from friends, allies, and those committed to actively seek change. We have also found inspiration in some of the messages coming from leaders of businesses small and large, with pledges of unity and support, meaningful donations, and personal commitments to action.
We are donating to NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, The Audre Lorde Project, and local bail funds. We will also find more ways to donate our expertise and to push for the hard conversations and increased understanding we all need to have in order to see the change that needs to happen. We are open to feedback on anywhere else you see CCG’s role in this work.
In the early 60s, author James Baldwin said, “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.” Let’s all remain outraged.
