We started CoAct with the recognition that our grandest challenges would require us to work with intention, and together. So let us be intentional today in saying CoAct believes Black Lives Matter.
Black communities have endured generations of oppressive and intentional tactics aimed at causing harm. The events we have witnessed over the past couple of weeks are just a page of this story. It is the story of the inequitable incarceration of men of color. It is a story of the increased infant mortality rates of black mothers. It is the story of homelessness and hunger that strike our communities. It is the story of silencing our words. It is the story of denying clean water to residents in Flint, Michigan. It is the story of denying fair wages and job opportunities. It is the story of being priced out of our own neighborhoods. It is the story of George Floyd, Atatiana Jefferson, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others that have faced injustice.
We are sick and tired of this story. To overcome this we must be intentional in understanding the weight of the challenge ahead. This is not a battle we can do alone. More now than ever, we must work strategically across our fronts to ensure every step is taken with purpose and contributes to a collective effort. We are committed in walking in stride with those that are most effected. We are committed to taking actions that expose and end the systematic oppression of our communities. We are committed to bringing leadership and stakeholders that reflect the communities and the challenges we face. And we are committed to creating spaces for our efforts to come together.
There is a great deal of work to be done and it will not be a short journey, but the first steps have been made. We invite you to share your ideas and join in helping us do this work together.
Jesse Herrera
Executive Director | CoAct