Now More Than Ever We Must Fight for Change
As You Sow is devastated by the police brutality that cut short George Floyd’s life and the systemic racism in our society that led to it. George Floyd’s murder is one more in a long list of violent acts and brutality against Black Americans that exposes deep, pervasive, and toxic systemic racism. Our staff and board therefore commit to being an antiracist organization; to use our skills and resources to actively fight racism, and to hold those who continue this abuse to account.
As champions of justice and sustainability in all its forms, we feel the anger and embrace the demands of protesters across our country and around the world for real, meaningful, and lasting change. In this moment, we must collectively acknowledge, address, and change our flawed systems. Our communities are already reeling from COVID-19, the health and economic crisis it has caused, and the structural inequities it has laid bare. At the same time, we face a mounting climate crisis with perhaps even greater potential to exacerbate inequities, and destroy communities and the environment across the globe.
Structural racism, abuse of power, and economic disempowerment are forces that undermine our efforts as individuals, communities, and nations to live well and with dignity. We must recognize the imperative to listen to and amplify the voices of all those who live under a constant threat of violence and intolerance, and who lack basic freedoms. Only through addressing these problems can we build a stronger whole.
As an organization, we do not have all the answers, but we will continue to focus our own work, communications, and commitments in the context of recognizing and supporting justice and the struggle for equality. Specifically, As You Sow commits to evaluating corporations on racial justice and holding them accountable through direct engagements; uncovering the truth about corporate diversity programs and practices; and exposing companies profiting from the prison industrial complex. Further, we will work to build the pathways and resources needed for progress, and respond to calls to action at the individual, organizational, and systemic levels.
Be safe. Embrace your family, friends, and community. Now more than ever we must fight for change.
Andrew Behar
As You Sow, CEO
#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #WalkWithUs