Hello,

In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, which has raised my own personal awareness and that of so many across our nation regarding the need for racial justice, on behalf of the staff and boards of Population Connection and Population Connection Action Fund, I would like to share the statement below with all of you—the members, activists, and volunteers who support our work.

We do our work to foster a better, safer, less-crowded living planet where all can have decent lives. We’ve long known that the consequences of rapid population growth tend to fall most heavily on those who have the fewest resources, and that people of color face especially daunting challenges. Hopefully, we can move forward on our mission with a broader, deeper understanding than in the past.

Thank you,

John Seager
President and CEO

Population Connection and Population Connection Action Fund firmly condemn the brutality and violence perpetrated against Black Americans throughout the history of this country and in recent days. The killings by police of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black people are a blight on us as a country. Systemic racism is not a new problem, but a deep-seated and deeply entrenched one that has gone on, unchecked, for too long.

As a progressive organization that advocates for the reproductive health and rights for all people, everywhere, it is our obligation to stand against the racism and violence that strips humanity from our fellow Americans. Reproductive rights and reproductive justice demand racial justice. Progressive action must include an end to racism.

We call on our supporters to join with us in the fight to dismantle systemic racism and to support Black Americans as they fight for their lives. We stand as allies and as advocates to lift up the voices and ease the burden of those most impacted by institutional racism, racial violence, and police brutality. We support peaceful protest and acts of civil disobedience, and we condemn all those who cynically provoke violence for their own ends — including the president of the United States — and who deliberately cause harm to communities.

Educate yourself, speak out, and take action.

Black lives matter. Today, tomorrow, and yesterday. Black lives matter.