06/02/2020
****Message sent to NU|ACES Students and Leaders yesterday****
Greetings NU|ACES Students and Friends,
As our country reacts to yet another series of senseless and preventable deaths, our thoughts are with George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery along with the dozens of other names and images that have sadly become synonymous with police brutality and racial inequity in the past few years.
One of the key tenets of our program is 'Civic Learning'. Since ACES began in 2017, we have not shied away from discussing structural racism at both the national and local levels by incorporating workshops into our first-year program on various issues including school desegregation, housing discrimination, health inequities, and environmental justice. We fully acknowledge that we are not necessarily the experts on these topics. Many ACES have personally experienced levels of these injustices, while others are learning about them for the first time. We still engage in these conversations to provide a uniform base knowledge of how systematic racism continues to impact our neighborhoods, residents, and community partners.
Yet it is often not enough to just be knowledgeable. One of the other main tenets of the ACES program is 'Civic Leadership and Action'. Whether it's casting a ballot, or marching with a witty sign, or sharing tips and resources via social media, we will always fully encourage you to let your voice be heard and known.
We have begun compiling a list of resources regarding the recent deaths that you can access below. This is by no means a comprehensive list. It is a living document and we hope that you will add articles, post events, provide action items, and even share songs to help support everyone during this time and beyond. Thanks to our friends and colleagues at The Massachusetts Promise Fellowship and Haley House for providing us with so many resources already.
To be fully effective though, we hope that you will:
1. Be Smart & Be Safe: If you are participating in a protest, please make sure that you lookout for the safety of yourself, friends, and others around you. As we've all seen, situations can escalate quickly so please be aware of your surroundings and continually assess the environment in which you are putting yourself and others around you. Have designated meet up points with your group in case you get separated and be in contact over phone or text with a friend or relative who is not at the protest. Also, don't forget we're still in a pandemic, so please wear masks in public and social distance.
2. Make Sure All Voices are Heard: Ensure that you are using this opportunity to not only share your thoughts and opinions but also enhance the voices of those who are marginalized if you are from a privileged background.
3. Check Your Sources: Unfortunately in times like these, there are easily spread false reports, misleading stories, and overall misinformation. Before you share or repost something, ensure that the info is accurate and credible.
4. Demand and Take Action: Engaging in dialogue is great, but also reach out to your elected officials and demand that they take action. Donate to worthy causes that provide relief or support to affected families and communities. Support your local minority-owned restaurants and businesses.
5. Continue the Conversation: While it may be currently trending, please recognize this type of movement should not be seen as trendy. Conversations and action to address racial inequity need to continue happening long after the figurative dust has settled from these specific instances.
History shows us that social progress is slow and often ugly. If you're feeling upset, confused, or even helpless during this time, please reach out to us. You are not alone. We are an alliance and we will continue to stand up for all communities.
We hope to see you all back on campus at some point in the future. Until then, please continue to take care of yourselves and each other.
Mark Este
Assistant Director, Civic Engagement Programs
Northeastern University City and Community Engagement
Literature, Video, and Resource Sharing Title,Source/Author,Website,Posted By,Please note that while various staff and students have shared the resources here, they do not necessarily reflect the views of Northeastern University and/or the Office of City and Community Engagement. This is merely ...
