The Gathering joins the country in mourning the losses of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless other people of color who have been unjustly killed across our nation. The murder of George Floyd serves as a tragic reminder of centuries of racism, violence, and lack of humanity for Black people. Black and Brown communities in the United States have and continue to suffer murder, violence, trauma, and overt and covert racism.
During this troubling time in our nation’s history, we hope you are being kind to yourself and others. While we are deeply saddened, and perhaps angry, we mustn’t feel helpless. Our country needs healing. But healing will only come with justice. Now is the time to fight for justice.
Listen: Understand that many Black and Brown people are struggling with enormous pain and despair. Open your hearts and listen to hear their words.
Learn: Systemic racism is firmly rooted in the U.S. and today’s injustices mirror our shameful history. There can be no justice or equality when Black and Brown communities are seen as less deserving of basic human and civil rights. Keep an open mind and compassionate heart.
Speak Up: Everyone deserves to be safe, healthy, and able to live their lives without fear of violence or harm, and organizations like ours must be a part of speaking up and taking action. Be an ally, speak up.
The Gathering staff and board, commits to fighting for justice, long-term and lasting change, and we stand in solidarity against racism. We also acknowledge that as an organization we have our own work to do. So, we will be listening, learning, and speaking up.
Black lives matter. Black voices matter. Black pain matters
In solidarity and strength,
The of Gathering of Southeast WI
THE MISSION of The Gathering is to provide meals and associated services or programs to those who would otherwise go hungry or without.
WE RESPECT the dignity and values of every individual we serve and value our volunteers who allow us to serve the community.
WE ACT directly and in concert with others to alleviate hunger and to address the root causes and related problems associated with hunger.
OUR SUCCESS will be demonstrated by providing quality services to our guests and remaining a viable volunteer-driven organization.
Some resources:
Learn
Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Dr. Peggy McIntosh
"35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say" by Dr. Maura Cullen
"Dear White People" (Justin Simien) — Netflix
"13th" (Ava DuVernay) – Netflix
"When They See Us" (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
"When They See Us Now" (Oprah Winfrey) – Netflix
Practice
Act