Proclaiming Justice Out Loud:
The Values of Freedom and Justice in a Period of Unrest and Possibility

The events of the last several weeks remind us of the urgency and imperative to demand that everyone experience the values of a truly inclusive society – one in which all can achieve their full potential and have what they need to live in good health and without fear, with opportunity and possibility. Of paramount importance to this vision is, without question, that dignity and safety are valued and realized by everyone.

But so many people in our society do not experience those values, nor are they able to achieve opportunity to fully prosper due to systemic barriers such as racism, unyielding stereotypes and bias, or a persistent lack of access to resources and basic means.

And yet, with lives lost and the pandemic coursing through our communities, the energy and momentum to change these conditions – once and for all – is alive, powerful, and palpable:

• It continues to surface in the streets through an organized movement of uprisings and demonstrations in support of Black bodies and lives. It is people – whole, diverse communities – who are saying NO to the devaluing of Black lives and YES to dignity, safety, and opportunity. This clarion call will not cease until progress is made toward the values of justice.
  
  
• It is in the enunciation that we must #DefundThePolice so that we can protect, serve and provide for communities in nonviolent and safe ways. Those whose duty is to serve and protect us should include caregivers of all backgrounds who are funded sufficiently to provide support, justice, and equal protection under the law for everyone.
  　
• It is in a set of historic decisions last week by the Supreme Court of the United States: Bostock v. Clayton County and Dept. of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California.

In these decisions, the Supreme Court upheld and clarified the dignity, equal justice, community, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals in the work place, under the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and for those whose status under President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order, are in their right to be here, in our country, and home to stay. We celebrate these milestones and underscore the need to prepare for the Court’s remaining decisions as the term comes to a close. And we call on social justice leaders to uplift the values that are important to stress as the remaining decisions are issued.

As we reflect and begin a new week, it is impossible to ignore the resounding declaration that none of us are free until all of us are free. That we must not rest until we truly and systematically can defend Black lives and pronounce opportunity, dignity, and justice for all. This includes not only for Black and brown people, but for all BIPOC people, no matter who they are, what their income is, or whether they have been incarcerated or held in detention.

As we prepare for the weeks ahead, let’s make sure to underscore these values and proclaim them in solidarity with one another. The values of freedom and justice are too important to settle for anything less.　

A few resources for this week:

Eight Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racial Justice

Ten Tips for Putting Intersectionality into Practice

Justice Reform and Human Rights in a Time of Crisis: Releasing People from Detention

Talking About COVID-19, Value, Problem, Solution, Action