Dear Sister District DC/VA Volunteers,
Words alone cannot express the injustices and the hurt that our black communities are facing. The recent protests over the tragic killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and too many others are only a small representation of the emotional turmoil that many are feeling. We, as a chapter, stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter to address police brutality and the severe racial injustice in this country. And we, as a nation that prides itself on acceptance, equality, and justice, must do better.
State and local officials are a huge part of combating police violence and enacting criminal justice reform. In the past few years, we've seen more progressive district attorneys voted into office across the country, who have sworn to hold police officers accountable for wrongdoing. It is our duty to vote safely in our primaries and in November to not only elect democrats, but to push for an agenda of justice. States and their elections are crucial in this fight and some of our Sister District alumni are already at work.
Elizabeth Guzman, one of our great candidates from 2017, is sponsoring legislation to require police to report racial data on any use of force or discharge of a weapon.
Lee Carter (Virginia, 2017) and Josh Cole (Virginia, 2019) have both been supporting through protests.
Maria Collett (Pennsylvania, 2018) issued this statement of support, and Jonathan Kassa, our current 2020 candidate, has also issued a statement.
And if you want to help local DC groups, please check out this article, which includes a donation link for the local DC Black Lives Matter legal fund.
Lastly, Sister District HQ issued this statement and the end especially, rings true:
"Sister District will continue our work to elect progressive and diverse candidates to state legislatures, which is one of the best ways we can think of to bring about meaningful change. But that’s not enough. We will also continue to be allies and advocates for Black people—we will stand up, we will speak out, and we will not stop until every human has the dignity and respect they deserve."
Let's work together, to do better.
Be well and stay safe.
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