As we kick off Pride Month, the idea of “celebrating” anything is almost inconceivable. Upon a backdrop of continued violence against the Black community and the events presently unfolding in our nation’s streets, this is hardly a time of joy. Yet I can’t help but be moved by the unbridled cries for change and by the protests energized by hope – and the distinct possibility that this time our voices we will be heard.
Celebrate right now? Perhaps not. Motivate each other? Hell yes!
Today I became a member of the NAACP to kick off Pride month — and I strongly invite you to do something. Do your part right now by helping to end racism and violence directed towards the Black community. The very existence of the NAACP confirms that the struggle still continues for many people in this country.
Just look at the facts. A recent Washington Post analysis reveals that “Black Americans account for less than 13 percent of the population but they are shot and killed by the police at a rate that's over twice as high as for white Americans.”
As a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally community, our diversity spans racial and ethnic identities – and just as much as we hope for people to stand with us in the fight for full equality, we must stand with others experiencing injustice. There is no path to full equality for our community unless we are all liberated.
SAVE condemns any and all violence directed toward the Black community. Today, we mourn the loss of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Tony McDade, and Breonna Taylor — yet the roster of lives lost is massive and it spans years of our country’s history. Every name added to the list is a reminder of our country’s persistent racist legacy.
The current lack of leadership in the White House and the relentless stoking of fear has emboldened white supremacists and other hate-based groups to act at a rate that has brought civil unrest. I hope you also will act today to honor the lives lost.
Allow me to share a list of recommendations of what you can do today – right now. Please do what you can. Though, we also ask that you do three things: (1) register to vote, (2) sign up to vote by mail, (3) vote in August and November for leadership that will help our country address systemic racism and discrimination.
Please keep safe.
Yours in service,
Orlando Gonzales
Executive Director, SAVE
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