Letter from our County Director

As we transition from the health aspect to the economic impacts of COVID-19, our most vulnerable and underserved populations are and will continue to be disproportionately impacted. Poverty among predominantly communities of color continue to impact educational opportunities. Food security is and will continue to be a concern, as those most impacted do not have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy lifestyle. In addition, the senseless death of George Floyd has once again highlighted institutionalized racial injustices in America.

 

As our President, Janet Napolitano stated, and echoed once more by our Vice President, Glenda Humiston, "As leaders of the largest public research university in the United States, we feel silence is complicity." I want to encourage all of you to recognize and understand your own privileges, examine your biases, validate experiences and feelings of people of color and challenge colorblind ideologies.

 

Nike changed their slogan from “Just Do It” to “Don’t Do It” in a message focused on race and intended to encourage people to shape a better future. “For once, Don't Do It. Don't pretend there's not a problem in America. Don't turn your back on racism. Don't accept innocent lives being taken from us. Don't make any more excuses. Don't think this doesn't affect you. Don't sit back and be silent. Don't think you can't be part of the change. Let's all be part of the change."

 

We are well positioned to shape a better future. I encourage all of you to do your part, educate yourself about the community you serve and work in, understand their problems, recognize racial injustices, be a conduit in cross-cultural communication, expose the inaccuracies of myths that sustain stereotypes, and expose racial prejudice and racism at the individual, community, and institutional levels. Eliminate racial disparity and be a force for systemic change.