In the weeks since the killing of George Floyd sparked national protest, we have been both inspired by the growing chorus of voices calling for racial justice and disheartened by continuing acts of brutality and bigotry; the shooting of Jacob Blake and the subsequent murder of protesters are the latest in an endless stream of violence directed at the Black community.
We are saddened, angered and still committed to dismantling white supremacy. It is with heavy hearts but renewed resolve that ILFI reaffirms its support of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color by supporting the “Commitment March: Get Your Knees Off Our Necks” today, August 28. It is the commemoration of the 57th Anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom led by Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1963. It was at this event where Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, calling for an end to racism in our country.
ILFI supports the National Action Network, the National Urban League, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and others in calling for the elimination of systemic racism and for comprehensive police reform. As part of the ILFI community, we hope you are inspired to participate – in-person and/or virtually – at this inclusive gathering to recommit to Dr. King’s dream. If you cannot attend the march in person, you can follow the virtual 2020 March on Washington, organized by NAACP, here.
Equally importantly, we urge you to heed the event’s calls to action: to participate in the 2020 Census, register to vote, and serve as a poll worker or volunteer in other ways in this election.
Now more than ever, we must inspire action and stay true to Dr. King’s dream of equality, freedom and social justice. His Dream informs and inspires our vision of a Living Future. At the center of these visions is the embrace and love and reverence for one another regardless of our skin color or gender or sexual preference.
We call on you, the ILFI community, to push onward toward that vision. It will take all of us to realize a living future that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically transformative.
With Respect and Commitment,
ILFI Board of Directors
