John,
Today is Juneteenth, an annual holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. While Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans since the late 1800s, this year’s celebration is resonating in new ways as our country reckons with the systemic murders of Black men and women like Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Rayshard Brooks.
Brady is closing our offices to recognize Juneteenth. We are recognizing that Juneteenth is a celebration of Black life. It is a time to uplift the economic, cultural, and political contributions Black Americans have made to this country. Now, more than ever, it is also a time to listen to Black Americans. To understand and address the systemic racism and inequality that is woven into American life.
At Brady, this means recognizing police violence is gun violence and that gun violence is inextricably linked to systemic racism and inequality.
Gun violence, which disproportionately impacts Black Americans, is only one example of how systemic racism wreaks havoc on Black communities. Recognizing Juneteenth is only the first step. It doesn't end systemic racism or stop the disproportionate impacts of gun violence. But it is a step in the right direction.
This is a time for white Americans to listen to and learn from Black Americans and follow their leadership in the movement to end gun violence. We reaffirm our commitment to addressing systemic racism and inequality. And as a supporter of Brady, here’s how you can help:
Support a Black-owned business in your community.
Join one of the protests across the country to demand change.
Uplift Black voices in your community and on social media.
Spend time reading up on anti-racism, particularly for white Americans seeking to be better allies in solidarity.
We hope you will join us in celebrating Juneteenth and continuing to fight for an America free of the systemic racism and inequities that perpetuate our country's gun violence epidemic.
Today marks two years since Antwon Rose, a 17-year-old teen, was murdered by a white police officer in East Pittsburgh. We recently sat down wwith Farooq Al-Said of 1Hood, a Black-owned and Black-led community organization in Pittsburgh, to discuss white supremacy, police violence, and the murder of Antwon. Listen now.
We Need Stronger Gun Laws to Help Prevent Another Charleston Church Massacre, Post and Courier
“Over the past five weeks, our nation has confronted clear truths that the systems that undergird and perpetuate daily life in America are rooted in white supremacy and shielded by racist violence. For many white people, such as myself, this has been a time to listen to and learn from Black Americans on how we can uproot these systems, unbraid them from their oppressive administration, and create new, equitable structures that support all Americans."
Our work is made possible by grassroots supporters like you.
Thank you for supporting the Brady Campaign. The Brady Campaign is a 501c(4) and donations to the Brady Campaign are not eligible for a tax deduction. We reply on the generosity of donors like you to fund our work to prevent gun violence and create a safer America.
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