Black Lives Matter


Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Last week, the horrific and unwarranted death of George Floyd brings to the forefront that “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced” – James Baldwin.  The systemic problems of racism and inequality facing our society is something we must face, and we must face it now!

We share this sentiment as part of PACRAO’s ongoing commitment to promote a community of inclusiveness within our membership, in our professions, and in our local communities. In 1993, PACRAO formalized this commitment by creating the Diversity Development Advocate position to sit on the PACRAO Board and to provide direct support to PACRAO’s Diversity Development Committee. Since then PACRAO has continued to support this commitment by expanding our committee’s responsibilities by generating programing and resources that promote growth and support for cultural understanding, intersectionality, equality, diverse issues in higher education, gender diversity, and anti-racism - among other important matters of diversity.  In this spirit, and in light of this commitment, we are compelled to share the following statement of solidarity with you.

The PACRAO Executive Board and the Diversity Development Committee stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues and  all communities of Color and continue to be committed to being a voice, promoting allyship and providing support as we experience the emotions, pain, and desire for change to end racial injustice and death by those that have sworn to protect them.

As educators, we know that the process of education and conversation has the power to build relationships, bring understanding, change lives, and inspire transformation.  However, this transformation can only be achieved through action and facing these issues directly, and a powerful way to do this is by becoming more aware adding your voice to the conversation.  We have provided the below resources that will allow our membership to bring all of these actions together to be more aware and to become a voice in the conversation with our families, our workplaces, and in all of our communities.

Our hearts are with the Black Community! Black Lives Matter!

Yours in Solidarity,

The PACRAO Executive Board and the Diversity Development Committee

Events & Resources:

AACRAO Town Hall hosted by the Black Caucus

Resources for white parents to raise anti-racist children

Articles to read

Videos to watch

Podcasts to subscribe to

Books to read

Films and TV series to watch

Organizations to follow on social media

More anti-racism resources to check out

Resources compiled by Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein in May 2020.