I cannot imagine the fear and terror that permeates everyday life for people of color.
Being afraid when you go bed at night that you might be shot while you sleep by a law enforcement officer whose very job it is to protect you. (Breonna Taylor)
Writing this email, a voice inside my head said “don’t say anything, you’re just going to sound like another brand jumping on the conversation”.
But there is no such thing as a silent ally.
I have a platform.
If I don’t use it, I’m contributing to the problem by being silent.
As leaders dedicated to making social change we have to speak up against racism and violence.
I will not be silent.
I will ask questions, challenge my expectations and assumptions, read, listen, give, and use my voice to be a better ally.
I'm grateful to you for being a part of my community.
Now is the time to use our voices and come together.
Racism is woven into the fabric of our nation's being and that includes philanthropy.
I invite you to join my friend Lynne Wester for a free webinar on Wednesday, June 17th at 3:00 pm CST with Avery Howard from the University of Tennessee on Diversity and Inequity in our Fundraising Communications. Lynne's been kind enough to give me permission to invite you, I hope you will come and join the conversation.
I also invite you to consider the failings and shortcomings in our sector in these gems from Vu Lee and the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Much love,
Rachel