Human rights are just that, universally human. Being a person of color should never be a death sentence. We all know this to be true, but we also know that is not what happens. As a community, hearing George Floyd’s last haunting words, “I can’t breathe,” has mobilized many to protest against police violence towards people of color. One simple action—the removal of the knee pressed into his neck—could have allowed George Floyd to breathe and spare his life. Instead, we all witnessed a killing and continuously see this image day after day on television and social media. This pain is now carried on by our community and it is indescribable. To our community, we want you to know we hear you, we support you, and we are always here for you. IOW is an organization and community founded on community and respect and we will always uphold that. Since the senseless killing of George Floyd, nations around the world have come together to show that enough is enough, and the fight that InsideOUT Writers (IOW) has been participating in for the past 25 years has not exhausted us. We will always stand up, always fight back, and always advocate for peace and equality. George Floyd, and every person lost to police violence will not be forgotten. We will always stand with you.
We also hold in our hearts Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the trauma experienced by Darnella Frazier, the teenager who witnessed the killing of George Floyd and captured it on video, the video that has been forever seared into our souls. Our thoughts and prayers are also with them and the far too many members of our Black communities who had their lives stolen from them. From all of us at IOW, our thoughts and prayers are with our IOW family, and with everyone who is concerned for your safety and that of your fathers, sons, brothers, nephews, mothers, daughters, sisters, and nieces. Our commitment as a community is, and must always be, to maintain a space that allows each of you a place for full expression and to speak your truth.
Let’s continue to stand together and take care of each other. And continue fighting the good fight.
In solidarity,
InsideOUT Writers