The horrifying death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and the many, many Black lives unnecessarily and unjustly lost or damaged before his, are weighing heavily on all of us.
At United Way of Greater Nashville, we stand with our Black community, our hearts aching for our friends and neighbors. The pain, sadness and anger we are seeing displayed throughout our community, and the country, are much overdue reminders of the role we all have to play in overcoming injustice and building a more just and equitable future.
We all have a responsibility to actively participate in our democracy as informed citizens, to collectively seek justice for all people. Educating ourselves further about the legacy of racial injustice in this country is a key piece of this. But learning and listening is not enough. We must also turn that information into action – to stand up for those who have been ignored and dismissed for much too long.
There is much we still have to learn and much more work to do as an organization. We know that words are not enough. It’s what we do that matters.
Now, and always, we must live our mission and stand against racism and injustice. We must do more, and do better, to make sure we truly Live United.
I encourage you to also read this Open Letter to the Community from our Chief Community Impact Officer.
Sincerely,
Brian Hassett
President and CEO
United Way of Greater Nashville