This country has a history of systemic, institutionalized racism and police brutality. George Floyd’s murder, and the injustices against so many people before him, must be a stimulus for all of us to stand up, speak out, and take action. We must fight until we gain equality in our country’s systems that include, among other places, educational institutions, the places where we work, our criminal justice system, and governing bodies at all levels.
In our society some people breathe freely, and others can hardly breathe. Nationally, Black people are 2.6 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than white people. Black women are 3-4 times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death than white women. Black people in this country are imprisoned at more than 5 times the rate of white people.
All of us must keep listening, keep learning, keep dedicating our hearts, hands, and resources to eradicating racism. At the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, we commit ourselves to backing our words with actions. As immigrant rights advocates, we are members of a large movement of advocates and activists fighting for justice and equal opportunity for all. We must understand the issues of race we encounter, articulate the implicit biases we all have, and acknowledge our dependence on one another to make progress toward equality. We must strengthen our own resolve and dedication to work that supports more equity in the world. At IIBA this would include reviewing hiring/employment policies, defining needed changes, and creating a plan for instituting the changes.
IIBA stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and all those seeking justice. Please join us in some of the actions we can take today.
- Donate in Support of Black Lives
- Use the Black Lives Matter’s Healing In Action Toolkit
- Support Black-Owned Restaurants and Pop-Ups in the Bay Area
- Contact Your Elected Officials for Reform. In California, the State Senate will vote on ACA 5, which focuses on equal opportunity programs like affirmative action and addresses structural racism in our country. Write your representatives to voice your opinion.
Sincerely,
Ellen Dumesnil
IIBA Executive Director
and 
Jennifer Beckett
IIBA Board President