Yesterday, Derek Chauvin, a former Minnesota police officer, was found guilty of all three counts against him in the murder of George Floyd, a Black man. Floyd’s death last May, the protests and rallies that followed, and the ensuing trial inspired discussion about anti-Black racism and criminal justice reform in our country.

Through our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work, we continue to learn, grow and support each other.  Individually and collectively, we must work with and financially support organizations that advance racial equity, combat racism and push for criminal justice reform.

Local organizations include:

• African Heritage, Inc.
• People of Progression
• Pointters Community Initiatives
• STAR Program of Boys and Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley
• UMOJA
• Esther Fox Valley

In addition, there are opportunities to get involved with these organizations also in Northeast Wisconsin:

• The We All Rise African American Resource Center
• Ebony Vision

The trauma of racism affects us all, especially our marginalized communities. Talking to friends and loved ones can help. If you need additional support, there are mental health resources available:

• Us 2 Behavioral Health
• REACH Counseling
• MyConnectionNEW
• NEW Mental Health Connection.

We cannot and will not continue to accept the trauma of structural and systemic racism and the inequities it produces if we wish to achieve our vision of a truly thriving community.

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