In Solidarity with African American Families – A Statement by Families In Schools

A mom posted on her Facebook page a question asked by her child, “Why do they hate us, mom?” It is a gut-wrenching question.

The uncomfortable truth is that systemic racism brutally murdered Mr. George Floyd, who was struggling to breathe as a police officer held him to the ground with his knee pressed against his neck while other officers looked on and did nothing to help him. That is not acceptable.

In a 1989 documentary, noted author and civil rights activist James Baldwin described the glacial pace of US racial progress over the last thirty years this way: “It’s taken my father’s time, my mother’s time, my uncle’s time, my brothers’ and my sisters’ time, my nieces and my nephew’s time. How much time do you want for your progress?”

We feel the pain and anguish of a whole community that is repeatedly discriminated against, oppressed, separated, and violated by the very people sworn to protect and serve all people. We shall not let these cowardly and shameful acts stand, be normalized, or allow ourselves to become numb and complacent to them.

Families In Schools stands resolutely in solidarity with our black communities and with any marginalized group that is willfully discriminated against and attacked.

We call out for justice for Mr. George Floyd, Ms. Breonna Taylor, and Mr. Ahmaud Arbery and all other victims of hate. And, we will continue to support and defend the movement for black lives and racial justice.

Now is the time to talk openly with our children about systemic racism and address that child’s question, “Why do they hate us?” We all cannot breathe until racial hatred is ended.

Please keep this conversation going, review the list of resources to engage in racial justice issues with your family, and consider contributing to any of the funds below or getting involved in other ways.