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 Implicit and explicit racism has often historically driven government responses to urgent health situations. As the COVID-19 public health emergency intensifies, Race Forward calls on local and state governments and those who are managing emergency responses to closely consider the impact that this disease, and the response to it, may have on people and communities of color.
Systemic racism in the United States has always been present, and can have significant ramifications as we navigate through this public health crisis. Race Forward remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing our racial justice and equity work. To best do this, we will continue working at the community and institutional levels to identify and adapt to new methods of engaging and community-building in digital spaces.
Race Forward has shifted the way we do our work in order to prioritize the health and well-being of our staff, our partners, and the communities we serve. And, when the time is right, and circumstances are more secure, we will reconvene, recharge, and rebuild. As an organization, as a movement, and as a nation, we must love and support each other and make decisions based in science and compassion – not out of fear.
Race Forward's statement on the Coronavirus Emergency, official response, and its impacts on communities of color
Though there will be substantial and unprecedented challenges in the next few months, we, along with our partner organizations, have already begun mobilizing:
Race Forward remains committed to these efforts, today and everyday, in this crisis, and in all of our actions. In the words of racial justice advocate and philosopher Grace Lee Boggs: “the only way to survive is by taking care of one another.”
In solidarity,
Race Forward
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