Advocate Stories, News

A Message of Solidarity With Our Network

by WREN Staff on Jun 2, 2020

WREN joins with people across this state and country who demand justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other victims of state-sanctioned terror and racism.

For far too long, too many have denied or made excuses for the harm that White supremacy and police brutality have caused to Black and Brown people, while others have stayed quiet and hoped that the turmoil would pass. It is long past time for denial or excuses or silence. It is time for change.

We demand that leaders and decision-makers at all levels listen to the voices of protesters and put a stop to police violence and brutality, including disproportionate use of violence against Black and Brown protesters in cities across the nation. We demand meaningful investments in affordable housing, healthcare, job training programs, mental health services, and education that will start to undo generations of institutionalized racism. As COVID-19 disproportionately harms communities of color, we demand that decision-makers provide affordable and equitable testing and healthcare, as well as economic relief, for those who are most affected.

We know that it is not only policies that need to change, nor only elected officials who need to act. Every one of us has a role to play. For our part, we at WREN will be working toward becoming a stronger anti-racist organization. We know we have work to do, and we are committed to doing it. WREN’s vision for South Carolina cannot become a reality as long as Black and Brown people are not safe to live, work, move, or even breathe.

We are in solidarity with all those in South Carolina who are ready for change.

Our staff compiled a list of resources for members to begin their education. This is not an exhaustive list, but a great place to start.

“Anti-Racism For Beginners” Guide
“Anti-Racism For Beginners” Resource List
The 1619 Project
Watch: “George Floyd, Minneapolis Protests, Ahmaud Arbery & Amy Cooper. The Daily Social Distancing Show”

If you would like to support protesters on the ground, you can do so with a donation to these groups:

Charleston: CHSREBELLION2020

Columbia: SodaCityBail

Greenville:

Myrtle Beach:

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