Dear Pajama Program Community,
On behalf of Pajama Program, we write to you today to address the violent consequences of racism in our country. The recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and the racism endured by Christian Cooper in Central Park, are only the most recent examples of crimes and injustices against Black people in our country. The impact on our community is devastating and as the leaders of a national organization, we explicitly state that we stand with civil rights organizations and activists that move the causes of equity and justice forward for Black people; and we denounce police brutality and all forms of racism and inequality.
Pajama Program’s core values are central to who we are: Integrity, Equity, Shared Community, Sustainable Impact, and Thoughtful Leadership. We take these values to heart as they guide our actions and are the foundation for all that we do. We commit to examining how we uphold them and to holding ourselves accountable to our community as part of our everyday work.
As we do our part at Pajama Program to create positive change in the world, we’ll be sharing updates and resources in a continued effort to push for equity. Here are some actions you can take as an individual right now to promote change and demonstrate your support for equity and equality:
- VOTE! To find out voting protocol near you, including changes in light of the pandemic, Voting411.org by the League of Women Voters Education Fund is a great site.
- Talk to your children about racism and teach anti-racism. Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance can be found on Today’s Parent and EmbraceRace.org.
- Confirm your support to bring justice for George Floyd by signing Justice for George Floyd on change.org and the #JusticeforFloyd campaign on act.colorofchange.org. For information on contacting local officials in your area, ally.wiki is a good resource.
- Research and support your local civil rights and social justice organizations, they are often the most direct, impactful source for grassroots action. The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights and Campaign Zero are good places to start.
- Visit the NAACP’s We Are Done Dying campaign.
We know that lives literally depend on the actions that all of us, inside and outside of Pajama Program, take. We hold ourselves accountable for doing our part and welcome your voices to tell us if we fall short. Thank you for being part of our shared community and this conversation, which must continue.
In solidarity,
