Common Cause Rhode Island Issues Statement on the Death of George Floyd and other acts of Police Brutality
Common Cause Rhode Island stands in solidarity with the many communities across our state and country who are saddened and angry over the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the many other individuals who have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement.
We mourn with the family members and loved ones who have been affected by these recent events. We stand with those who have been abused in any way by the systems and institutions that marginalize people of color. These tragic events happen way too often to African Americans. All Americans should see each other as equally deserving of life, liberty, respect, justice and dignity.
This past Friday, more than 10,000 individuals joined together for a peaceful protest against police brutality in downtown Providence. The march was organized by teenagers and youth of color and illustrated the power of democratic protests. We are proud of everyone who attended the historic demonstration and we are doing everything in our power to make sure your voices are heard.
Our daily work at Common Cause Rhode Island requires us to use an equity lens to eliminate barriers and ensure ethical government processes for under-served communities. This includes reaching hard-to-count populations to encourage individuals to fill out their census forms, focusing on election protection to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process, and advocating for a diverse judicial branch. We want to lead by example and be part of the change.
At Common Cause Rhode Island, we are committed to holding power accountable and understand that eliminating systemic racism requires action. Therefore, we would like to ask you to join us in connecting with and supporting Black- led organizations in our state and nation engaged in civil rights work. These Rhode Island and nationwide organizations include, but are not limited to, the following:
The Rhode Island Black Business Association
Rhode Island Coalition of Black Women
Petition: Racism is a Public Health Threat
As we continue our work of protecting democracy, we must take time to acknowledge that racism has been a part of our country’s past and present. Most importantly, we must listen to what our communities of color are saying during this time and support them in the fight to end racism.
Signed,
Sam Ogundare, Assistant Director
John Marion, Executive Director
Galen Auer, Outreach Coordinator