Friends,

Sometimes it is necessary to stand up and speak truth to power and say no, this is not who we are as a country. This is one of those times.

Because George Floyd should still be alive today.

Ahmaud Arbery should still be alive today.

Breonna Taylor should still be alive today.

They -- and the many other Black Americans who have lost their lives to horrific acts of racist violence -- deserve justice. Their families and their communities deserve justice.

I stand in solidarity with the thousands of Americans who are joining together to say that Black Lives Matter, who are exercising their constitutional right to peacefully protest and calling for the change this country needs.

When our government seems to turn a blind eye to these instances in which the deeply-rooted and insidious presence of systemic racism in this country is made so powerfully clear -- it is easy to become hopeless. It is easy to conclude that this American experiment is failing -- especially if you are a victim of that hatred.

But we must hold on to hope. Because the images we've seen from across the nation -- of officers marching in solidarity with peaceful protestors, of individuals linking arms to protect officers from violence, of communities joining together to clean up the streets the morning after -- are showing us clearly: Love has the numbers.

And I promise you, Hate is nervous right now. Because if the will of the majority is reflected in our government, Hate loses.

So keep working, but lead with love. It is the only force that will move us forward. It is the only force that ever has.

I stand with you,

Sean Casten

Resources:

We must all take action to drive our country forward in the fight for equality. If you're looking for ways to help, consider supporting one of these groups:

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund seeks structural change to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in society through litigation, advocacy, and public education. To donate or learn more, visit here >> [link removed]

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is committed to combating racism through litigation, community organizing and training, legislative initiatives, and public education. To donate or learn more, visit >> [link removed]

The Illinois Justice Project (ILJP) advances policies and practices that reduce violence, decrease prison recidivism and make the justice system more equitable. To donate or learn more, visit >> [link removed]