Friends,
Since Friday evening, we
have been deeply disturbed, saddened, and enraged by the waves of racist
attacks surrounding the so-called “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville,
Virginia.
Charlottesville has become the latest flashpoint for emboldened
white supremacists who primarily target Black and Brown people, while peddling
anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. The community has been terrorized as this
surging, hate-fueled movement marched through the city with slogans and chants
that encouraged racist violence not only in Charlottesville, but across the
United States.
At least three people have
been killed to date in events set off by this violent, white nationalist
campaign, with dozens more injured or in critical condition.
White supremacy is the
first and oldest form of organized terrorism inflicted upon the stolen lands
now known as North America, beginning with slavery and brutal land theft. While Donald Trump’s
rhetoric and rule have certainly emboldened white supremacy and associated
violence, yesterday’s events were not simply about one man or even one country.
These forces existed long before Trump, and will continue when his time is up
if we allow ourselves to ignore the problem at its core.
We at The Leap carry these
truths with us as we reflect on the last few days:
First, this is not about
one man, or one political party – it is about a system that has been in place for
centuries and cannot be separated from any issue on the progressive agenda. The
logic that allows explicit racism to flourish is the same logic that allows our
planet to warm unchecked, harming Black and Brown people first and worst.
Second, we must stand with
the victims, their families, and the people who are taking to the streets. We call on
journalists and lawmakers to name yesterday what it was and is: terrorism. At
the same time, we recognize that when highly militarized governments invoke a
“state of emergency,” as has taken place in Virginia, hard-won liberties are at
severe risk.
Finally, we recognize that
the goal of those who are carrying out these heinous acts was not realized. Their plan backfired,
because yesterday we witnessed the busting down of single-issue silos as people
of all races, faiths, gender identities, and socioeconomic status came
together, united in a single voice against white supremacy.
We said “No” as part of
the process of moving to the “Yes,” a world where we care about the planet
while caring for each other and the scourge of white supremacy is dismantled
and challenged at every turn.
This is where you come in. We
need you to join us to help build the “Yes.” There are solidarity
vigils across North America that you can join and take action in. Click here to find the closest
one near you or start your own.
Finally, make sure your voice is heard in your community and add
your own message of solidarity on social media, using the hashtag
#Charlottesville or #SolidarityWithCharlottesville.
No matter who you are, your own background, or that of your
family members or loved ones, your solidarity is necessary to build a better
world. Now is the time to stand together.
In love and light as we fight for a better world,
Anthony Rogers-Wright, U.S. Organizer
Bilan Arte, Communications Lead
On behalf of The Leap Team
*****
Please go here for the original: https://theleap.org/portfolio-items/leap-statement-of-solidarity-with-charlottesville/
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