Dear Baltimore: A Message of Solidarity

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A message from Baltimore Corps’ CEO, Fagan Harris

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Dear Baltimore:

Equity and racial justice are at the heart of Baltimore Corps’ mission and values. We stand in solidarity with #blacklivesmatter, the many communities that make up the tapestry of Black America, and all people moved to protest because of recent, and past, murders of unarmed Black people of all ages and genders.

As we consider our country and its future, it’s imperative that we listen to each other and most importantly, listen to the unheard who are, too often, our Black, Indigenous, and other systematically marginalized communities. Our community is telling us that the abuse of power by law enforcement in Baltimore, and across the nation, directly attacks the freedom and fundamental rights of Black Americans. Our communities, families, and children deserve to feel safe in their homes, cars, places of work, during recreation, and at all times. It is tragic and wrong that they do not and have not since our nation’s inception. We need systemic policy change in our policing now.

Baltimore Corps envisions an equitable city for all of its residents. To help Baltimore realize this future, we develop, retain, and connect leaders who share our vision. We believe change is possible. However, we recognize that we must pursue our mission because of generations of pain and racial inequities; we understand that our community is experiencing pain, frustration, fear, and anger tied to that history. All of those feelings are valid. The last few weeks have starkly reminded us that the nation’s past of overt racial terror isn’t far behind us.

With so much of our community ready to take action, we want to remind everyone that because there are still unmet needs in our community, there remains a number of ways to get involved. Please consider investing in organizations supporting our community during this time:

I echo the advice by our local activists and justice leaders to safely and knowledgeably participate in demonstrations protesting police brutality and abuse. Before participating, please understand who is leading the demonstrations underway in our city and verify that those leaders have deep and authentic ties to our community. It is imperative that demonstrations underway in our city are of our city. Ultimately, powerful, persistent, and peaceful protest is one of our most effective tools for driving change.

I also encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote on June 2nd, 2020.* If you need assistance exercising your right to vote, please reach out to:

Lastly, we obviously still confront a major health pandemic that has already disproportionately impacted Black and Indigenous communities. We want our community to be well. Please continue the practice of social distancing, per the CDC: limit close contact with others outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you — or they — have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

We continue to stand with those that fight against white supremacy and racial injustice across the nation.

Sincerely,

Fagan Harris

CEO, Baltimore Corps

* As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Baltimore Corps encourages voter participation but does not endorse or oppose any political candidate.