June 8 marks two weeks since the violent death of George Floyd at the hands of four former Minneapolis police officers, who have since been charged with murder.
On a personal level, I am heartbroken and deeply outraged by this senseless killing. TPAN stands in solidarity with all who protest the violence perpetrated against George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery and so many other Black and Brown people who have lost their lives as a result of police brutality. Our hearts go out to the victims and the families whose lives have been shattered and will never be the same.
This murder and the anguish and collective anger we feel must be a part of change. We cannot honor George Floyd or seek justice without also examining racism, inequities in access to care, and discrimination against Black and Brown people and marginalized and disenfranchised communities. Change will not happen overnight, by email, or via a social media post, it will require a collective movement and firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion at every level—societal, institutional, and individual. Racial and social justice must be the lens through which we view all of our work.
Throughout its more than 30-year history, TPAN has long fought for people who are marginalized and oppressed. We reaffirm our commitment today by standing together with everyone who fights racism, anti-blackness and white supremacy in all its forms, and state unequivocally that:
Black Lives Matter.
In solidarity,
Julie Supple, Interim CEO, TPAN
