Prairie Rivers Network stands in solidarity with Black communities demanding justice for the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless others whose lives have been taken by police and vigilante violence. We support people on the front lines opposing police brutality, white supremacy, and systemic oppression in our society. As an environmental organization, our work is, at its core, about justice. Without racial justice, there can be no environmental justice.
Black Lives Matter.
Black communities and communities of color disproportionately feel the effects of pollution and other health and environmental harms because racial oppression has never ended in America. These injustices manifest themselves in many of the issues we work on, and so we must commit ourselves to addressing issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within our organization and strive to center those principles in our work. We have to listen, learn, and take action as we work collectively toward a more just and equitable society.
There are steps all of us can take right now:
- Learn more. Check out this list of anti-racism resources.
- Call your state legislators and members of Congress to demand action on police brutality and racial injustice.
- Support Black causes by signing petitions and donating.
- Support black-owned businesses in your community. If you’re in the Champaign-Urbana area, check out this directory.
In solidarity,
The Prairie Rivers Network Team
