Filipinx for Black Lives: Statement
The Filipino American Association at Indiana University would like to address the Black Lives Matter protests sweeping across our country. We want to express our deepest condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black Americans who have been subjected to unjust or prejudiced treatment by law enforcement. Frustrations at the criminal justice system are apparent in every town, city, and state in America, and we as an organization wholeheartedly support and empathize with these frustrations.
We stand in solidarity with the millions of Americans that face prejudice and injustice every day. Black Americans specifically have continued to be persecuted in America, resulting in horrible and avoidable tragedies. It is our duty to speak up for our neighbors and fellow people of color about the human rights being violated daily. We stand with the protesters and want to look forward towards justice and equality through changes to the currently flawed system. We will not stay silent and will continue to support protests for change. We stand with all people of color as we call for fair treatment and an end to discrimination.
While not all of us can protest on the front lines with the Black Lives Matter movement, everyone has a civic duty to support our fellow Americans during these trying times. We ask that each of our members stay informed on this movement to understand its gravity. It is essential to the movement that members follow the links below to sign petitions, donate money, and contact local officials.
Change is never created through an individual action; it is a collective effort. The Black community is calling on us as fellow people of color to support their effort in ending the mistreatment of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement. We urge our members to begin or continue to make an impact in the events happening in the country today. Do not let the inequity continue. Do not stay silent while others face cruelty. Do not sit by and let change happen without your input.
Desmond Tutu, a South African anti-Apartheid and human rights activist, once said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” Stand up for other people, stand up for human rights; sign, donate, and message to take your stand.
Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones and the Black community; We know you are hurting. FAA stands with you and we want to help change the country for the better. We can no longer wait for change to simply happen unprompted. Today, we demand it.
