For over 20 years we have worked to ensure that justice and equity are the foundation of community development, instead of a privilege that can be waged against the people as the state and powers that protect it see fit. There is no one in our community who is disposable; our voices and our lives have incalculable value. They are inextricably bound.
Today, we hurt for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. We mourn the lives on the long list of people who have been extrajudicially murdered by the state. We share the frustration and disappointment of our community in Los Angeles and everyone who has again watched those charged to protect us casually take the lives of our neighbors, family, and friends. Black lives matter, and Black people must be protected from police brutality.
Our communities deserve better and we will not rest until our vision for a community committed to justice, equity, and our collective wellbeing is realized. Our will to stand in love for our communities and the power of our voices combined are greater than the wanton violence wielded by police and apathy of our elected leaders. The fate of our communities should be determined by the people who live here. We love Los Angeles and we’ll continue to collaborate with those who conspire for its good and the collective wellbeing of the precious people who’ve made it home.