George Floyd Community Letter

Dear Members, Community and Friends:

NBCC is devastated by the gruesome and unjust death of Mr. George Floyd.  We acknowledge the pain and trauma that many of us are feeling, and we offer our condolences to Mr. Floyd’s family and loved ones. The killing of Mr. Floyd has once again shaken our society, adding to the list of those killed and mourned before him.

NBCC acknowledges and supports countless members of other Black Communities in Canada, the United States, and around the world, whose pain and loss go unresolved.

We have all been affected by this tragic, violent, brutal, and disturbing show of racism. There are so many people, families, organizations, and communities that are persistently impacted by the ripple effects of these types of incidents. Too many of us feel and experience some type of continued racism in our daily interactions individually and systemically. Systemic discrimination targets people in similar ways.

Racism goes beyond individual acts of discrimination, unfairness, hatred, and violence. Racism infects and affects the beliefs, peoples, policies, and institutions that limit our opportunities.

In Canada, we may feel that we are watching the US systemic racism, intolerance, and inequality from afar. Racism and intolerance exist worldwide. They are in Canada, and right here at home in Edmonton, Alberta.

Every time we challenge racism, we are one step closer to a more equal society.  Transformation comes through persistence, education, conversation, self-awareness, and making efforts to understand our own biases.

NBCC is asking all people to stand with us against racism in all its forms and join with us to actively engage individuals, the community, and decision-making people in power to eradicate racism, discrimination, and traces of indignity.  As people, we have the responsibility to create change, strive for justice, and seek peace for all people. We must acknowledge, respect, and preserve the dignity of every human being.