The high profile attention to the stories of racial violence against Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Christian Cooper and Omar Jimenez are tragically the tip of the iceberg. It is outrageous that in the midst of a pandemic that is clearly disproportionately destroying the lives of people of color, that it is not even safe for Black people in America to go for a run, bird watch, report the news or even be in their own homes. The same is true for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities facing harassment and violence based on racism and irrational fear. 

But the truth is that the moment we are in — both the virus and the violence — simply serves to put a spotlight on the systemic and pervasive racism that makes people of color and indigenous communities in our country fear for their families’ health, safety and lives every single day. 

As an organization that envisions a world with clean air, clean water, public lands, and a safe climate that are protected by a just and equitable democracy for generations to come, we also believe that we are all only as safe as those members of our community who are most at risk. We recognize the leadership of the frontline organizations and individuals, and we stand among those calling for justice, accountability, and an end to violence.

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