Listening, Learning, and Planning for Action
Written by Amy Merritt Campbell
We are heartbroken by the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery and others that have intensified our country’s grief and anger over police brutality, racial violence, and white supremacy.
These events have forced all of us at Elevate to pause, reflect, and ask questions. Where and how have we contributed/are we contributing to the problem? Where do we need to improve our practice, policies, or processes to move towards racial justice? Where do we need further education?
We unequivocally believe that Black lives matter, and we recognize the power that data and narrative have in the fight for justice. We recognize that as a team of mostly White women, we are privileged in that, most days, we are able to compartmentalize these conversations. We know we don’t have the answers, and we know we will not get it right, but we are committing to making space to reflect, learn, unlearn, and grow. We seek to learn from and amplify the voices of Black leaders, and we are committed to continue taking steps to engage in the work of equity and justice. We are taking ownership of our own learning and education, and we invite you to help hold us accountable. We look forward to learning with and from you.
