Statement of Solidarity Against Racism

“If this problem isn’t solved, then the soul of our nation will be lost and the only way to redeem the soul of America is to remove or eradicate racism and all of its dimensions.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
 
How striking that even today, Dr. King’s words ring true. 
 
The senseless killings of Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others run counter to our mission and what we work so tirelessly for. These incidents are unacceptable; yet, they expose the injustice and inequality that has pervaded society for far too long. Black Lives Matter.  Prejudice, discrimination and hate in all forms has no place in our state and in our country.
 
“United Way believes that every person is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect – this includes equal treatment and access to justice”.
Dr. Juliette Tuakli and Brian Gallagher, United Way, U.S.A.
 
The Board of Trustees and employees at United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) echo the same sentiment as our national office and call for justice for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and other differences.  United Way was built on the foundation that every person is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. Now more than ever we are committed to ensuring that the basic rights and freedoms of everyone are not merely assumed, but that they are fiercely protected and guaranteed. Together we can and must do better.
 
If we are to achieve equality and justice for all people in our Country, we must first be willing to acknowledge the role that racism plays in our legal system as well as, all other segments of our society. The dismantling of racism will require that we reevaluate the implementation of our justice system with a deliberate review of all laws and regulations put into place to combat acts of racism and discrimination.  
 
We are inspired by all who desire to begin the painstaking work required to establish a system of racial equity that holds our nation to a higher standard and accepts nothing less than equal treatment for all people in every aspect of their lives.
 
United Way of Greater Union County will continue to remain a vigilant partner to our community members to confront racism, hate and injustice, and champion dignity, respect and hope. Now and always, we will stand and Live United. We invite you to connect with us to help further the conversation and to develop actions that will help make a difference. For more information on our work in the community, please visit our website at uwguc.org.
 
With our deepest sincerity and commitment,

Alison Yablonowitz           James W. Horne, Jr.
Board Chairperson             President & CEO
 
Resources and Guides from United Way Worldwide