Black Lives Matter: Women In Film Seattle Stands with the Movement for Racial Justice
As we have been sheltering-in-place amidst the pandemic, the systemic violence towards Black people has continued:
· The murder of Ahmaud Arbery by white supremacists in Georgia
· The fatal police shooting of Sean Reed in Indiana
· The fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor in Kentucky
· The fatal police shooting of Adrian Medearis in Texas
· The fatal police choking of George Floyd in Minnesota
· The intentionally false charge of force of Christian Cooper in New York
This list is far from complete. It is a shameful example and just the tip of the iceberg of violent heartbreaking examples of disgusting systemic racial injustice, intolerance, and disparity that people of color live with every day in America.
In response, and to show solidarity with the Movement for Racial Justice, WIF will be pushing pause for our June Second Tuesday.
WIF is committed to advancing the careers of women and women identifying film and media makers. This mission includes promoting diversity and working for gender parity and access. There is no gender justice without racial justice.
We stand with Black communities in the affirmation of Black lives, and vow to work with all who envision a world free from the institutions and violence perpetrated by racism and patriarchy.
We call upon all of us – including our friends, families, and colleagues – to be active allies of the Black community; to not just share our rage, sadness, and discontent on social media, but to take on this struggle together. We are stronger together, and we must stand boldly.
The only way to end the cycle of government violence against Black people is to act every single day. Use your voice. Use your vote. Use your art. Use your money.
The more of us who work together, the greater the change we will make. Here is a list of organizations helping to end acts of violence and racial injustice in our country and how to be an ally:
https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org
https://www.suu.edu/diversity/allyship-guides/black-ally.html
https://blacklivesseattle.org/bail-fund
In Solidarity for Justice and Peace,
Lisa B. Hammond, President WIF Seattle