JUNE 2020. We at Rural Lands are reeling from events of recent days. We share in the national outrage over the murders and persecution of Black people perpetrated and condoned by the police and other authorities.
George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are among the most recent victims, but the lethal expression of white supremacy has been pervasive in our nation’s history and continues to shape its policies. We’ve seen this take the form of unlawful yet state-sanctioned killings, the polluting of Black and brown communities, the suppression of voters of color, and countless other injustices embedded in our legal and social structures. Whether in Williamstown or Williamsburg, this cannot continue.
WRLF stands with those affected by the deep-seated racism in our society. After decades of racist policies, Black and brown communities are the most likely to be living on the frontlines of climate impacts and are disproportionately affected by pollution.
This all must change.
As we collectively reflect on the most recent and the more longstanding instances of racial hatred and violence, we recommit to educating ourselves on issues of systemic racism and to using our privilege to fight for a healthy, thriving community for all of our residents.
We stand in solidarity with our Black neighbors, friends, and colleagues in calling for an end to police brutality and racial injustice.