Dear Friend,

The Rian Immigrant Center has been reflecting on the events that took place in our nation’s capital on January 6th. We watched with horror as insurrectionists stormed the nation’s Capitol building in an attempt to violently overthrow US Democratic processes and cause physical harm to members of Congress. 

The police response to these domestic terrorists was mostly calm and was in stark contrast to the way social justice movements throughout US history have been treated, especially the Black Lives Matter movement.  Our nation was founded on racist ideologies and the response to events last week illustrate that racism is still deeply embedded in the roots of our society. 

At Rian we work with many people who have fled their homes after living through wars and violence. The footage we all viewed last week can be incredibly triggering, especially for those who have lived these experiences. If you or someone you know are in need of resources or support, please do not hesitate to reach out to Rian. Our ultimate goal is to better support those we serve by addressing racial injustices and systemic racism. We will continue to work towards building a society where all are welcomed and valued and have equitable opportunities and protections. 

"I take no delight in the death and injuries that transpired. As a human being, I am saddened whenever ideological disagreements turn violent. As an American, I am appalled to see elected officials attack our democracy for reasons of political favor and appeasement. And as a Black man, I am furious that the treatment of white domestic terrorists attacking American values tends to be far more humane than the treatment of the Black citizens trying to hold the country to those values." -- LZ Granderson, Columnist, The L.A. Times