NLC Family:

After a weekend of protests for justice and accountability, we are reaching out with gratitude for the powerful work our NLC Family leads in communities across the country.

Our mission calls for us to live our values. Let us say this loudly and clearly: Black Lives Matter. We stand with our Black alumni and fellows - and recognize that words are not enough.

This weekend has been profoundly felt by our Black alumni, Fellows, and leaders. We also recognize that many folks from different backgrounds are feeling a sense of grief, frustration, and anger about the impact structural racism has across every thread of our society. And many are asking where we go from here.

It starts with supporting and uplifting calls to action from our Black alumni and the NLC chapters. Please read our statement [[link removed]] that amplifies actions from our NLC Family working to advance justice and accountability. It is important that we share it directly here with you too.

Leadership matters. We have said this since NLC was founded 15 years ago. We have said this throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. We say it now.

Thank you to our chapters and alumni who are leading your communities with care. You are the leaders our country needs.

With gratitude,
Clare Bresnahan English
President & CEO, New Leaders Council



Statement from New Leaders Council

In the time of a global pandemic, love and justice should be instinctive among all Americans. However, the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery - and the loss of countless Black lives to police brutality and white supremacy - tragically underscore a cultural pandemic that has been at the core of our country for over 400 years.

In solidarity with members of our New Leaders Council network and family, we want to share what those most proximate to the issues lift as their priorities:

NLC Twin Cities

We stand with our community and grieve the loss of George Floyd. In the Twin Cities, we have mourned the loss of Jamar Clark and Philando Castile, and now, once again, we mourn the senseless killing of one of our Black neighbors. We uplift and center the organizations in the fight for justice and accountability for George Floyd’s family.

The Twin Cities chapter partners with The Minnesota Freedom Fund [[link removed]] to pay bail of those arrested in the recent uprisings. Please also follow and support these Black-led efforts: Black Visions Collective [[link removed]] , Official George Floyd Memorial Fund organized by Philonise Floyd [[link removed]] , and Reclaim the Block [[link removed]] .

NLC Atlanta

We stand against hate of any kind. The homicide of Ahmaud Arbery was a crime and should be treated as such. As a chapter, we have committed to a set of actions [[link removed]] , and we welcome your support of Mr Arbery’s family and the city of Brunswick, GA as we stand with them during this difficult time.

NLC Black Caucus

We see and acknowledge our community members who have experienced trauma, grief, and/or difficulty finding peace during these distressing times. We are collaborating across the NLC movement to uplift actions that center our voices as NLC Black alumni. We invite NLC Black alumni to connect with us here [[link removed]] to help share this work.

NLC President & CEO

Finally, as NLC’s President & CEO, I recognize that statements are not enough. Until white folks become accomplices for racial equity, more Black lives will be lost. I urge fellow white progressives to acknowledge and dismantle our roles in upholding the insidious, covert connection between white supremacy and white liberal fragility. The values that we profess and project require that the change we seek starts within ourselves. Commit to start today with resources such as How to be an Anti-Racist, by Ibram X. Kendi or Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad.

As an organization, we will continue to listen to and uplift the incredible leadership our Black alumni and Fellows provide. It’s an honor to be in this movement for love and justice with the NLC community. We are the leaders our country and communities need to realize its highest ideals.

With steadfast commitment and gratitude,
Clare



New Leaders Council
1050 Connecticut Ave., NW
#66004
Washington, DC 20035
United States

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