Media Contact:
Alan Septoff, (202) 271-2355, aseptoff@earthworks.org
Berkeley, CA, May 29 — Earthworks Executive Director issued the following statement on the violent, racist killings of people of color, including the recent killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.
“Earthworks is committed to climate justice and environmental justice in order to improve the health, safety and well-being of all communities. Yet the cruel, inhumane treatment of Black and Brown people in the U.S. today makes it extremely difficult to imagine justice for communities of color. The murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis is the latest killing in an intolerable history of racist violence in the U.S.
Earthworks is committed to challenging and dismantling the systemic oppression embedded into our society that allows these tragedies to continue. If we want to create communities that are truly safe, just, equitable, and free from environmental harm, then we must challenge racist violence against Black and Brown people. We stand in solidarity with the movement for Black Lives and demand justice and action in Minneapolis and around the country.”
Background
Earthworks is committed to challenging and dismantling systemic oppression. Earthworks Board and staff understand that promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) both within and beyond Earthworks is critical to carrying out our mission to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of resource extraction. We recognize that environmental burdens and benefits are not distributed equitably and we are committed to recognizing and addressing these disproportionate historic and current disparities. We strive to practice the Jemez Principles and Principles of Environmental Justice in our work, and know we are better suited to do so when we practice these principles internally.
What You Can Do
Donate
- Minnesota Freedom Fund
- UPDATE: Due to overwhelming support, Minnesota Freedom Fund is now asking that donations be made to other local organizations that are Black and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) led, like the two organizations below. You can see a running list of suggested organizations by clicking the link to their website above.
- Minnesota Black Visions Collective
- Reclaim the Block
Take Action
- ACLU action alert: Call NOW and demand justice for George Floyd
- Sign the Color of Change petition: Demand the officers who killed George Floyd are charged with murder
