Stronger Together
Dear RET Community,
Much has happened since our last newsletter - political events and legal rulings that will affect our communities for decades to come. The Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision, gutting the Voting Rights Act, epitomizes the current administration’s agenda to disenfranchise Black and brown voters. The combined efforts of three Federal agencies to investigate the Southern Poverty Law Center represents both another attack on civil rights and an attempt to silence movements fighting for multiracial democracy. Meanwhile, as colleges hold graduation ceremonies nationwide, many schools attempt to silence pro-Palestine speech, going so far as to cancel speakers and eliminate live speeches by students. In at least one case, a university threatened to withhold a student’s degree for demonstrating solidarity with Palestine. And, the recent shooting at the Islamic Center in San Diego is another painful reminder of how hate and fear can drive unjustified, indiscriminate violence toward an entire community. Each of these events is symptomatic of racialized authoritarianism.
Yet, we continue to protest, speak out and stand up for our rights, just as our ancestors did. As john powell reminds us, one of the greatest dangers in a time of rising authoritarianism and othering is the belief that ordinary people are powerless. We are not. We resist by organizing through solidarity, collective care, and collective action. When we see our brothers and sisters under attack, we act and offer support. Our communities are interconnected through collective pursuit of liberation from systems of white supremacy and capitalism. Continuing to gather in celebration and in mourning are acts of resistance. The government may continue to strip away civil rights, but our shared humanity will not be erased.
At RET, we remain committed to offering resources that support solidarity-building, collective care, and community resilience. If you would like to learn more about how to support your friends, neighbors, and communities during difficult times, we encourage you to explore our Addressing Trauma and Healing page. We hope that you are taking care of yourself, your community and loved ones. Feeling angry, exhausted, sad, or whatever you need to right now, is the nervous system processing current events. In times like these, it’s critical to honor those feelings and be in community spaces where we can receive collective support. You are not alone, and together we are stronger.
In Love and Solidarity,
The Racial Equity Tools Team
