Message from Diversity & Equity Staff - August 27, 2020

Systemic and vigilante violence continues to disproportionately impact Black people in America and we continue to be inundated with a 24-hour news cycle and social media shares. The constant viewing of these modern-day lynchings has a psychological and physiological impact on Black people. To our Black community, we see you, we mourn with you, and we encourage each of you to take care of yourselves in the ways that feel best. As a division committed to equity and community care, we invite you to reach out, seek support, and process with us as you see fit. You can reach us via email at diversity@ku.edu.

To our non-Black communities of color, we know that white supremacy is felt by you in many ways as well and while it sometimes looks different, this violence against Black people is often a reminder of the violence you too have faced. We encourage you to also engage in practices of self-care, prioritizing yourself and your wellness. As you engage with Black colleagues, peers, students, and community members please hold space for those carrying the heavy burden of racist anti-Black violence. 

To our white community members, critically examine what whiteness means to you and what shifts you need to make to become an anti-racist person in the fight for Black lives. This is the work of unlearning white superiority. Explore Black narratives at KU and beyond and remember Black Lives Matter. 

From the teams of Office of Diversity & Equity, Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity, Multicultural Scholars Program, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity