VAFF stands in solidarity with the Black community and its countless allies demanding justice in the wake of yet another tragic death at the hands of racism.
Our hearts and deepest wishes go out to the Black community, to those most impacted by the death of George Floyd, and to the deaths of countless others who too have been killed for reason only of skin colour.
VAFF acknowledges the immense contributions made by African Americans during the civil rights movement and the lesser-known activism of African Canadians during and before that period. The courage and strength of those activists have degraded barriers faced by Indigenous communities and all other BIPOC. We are forever in gratitude.
We can no longer be complacent or complicit to the systemic racism that plagues our countries.
We stand in solidarity with all those protesting in peace until justice is served. Meanwhile, we will listen and learn. We will be brave and call out racist acts even if it it’s unpopular, and speak up against injustice.
Now is the time to change the course of the future. Now is the time to write the history of tomorrow in a way in which we may all be proud. Now is the time to speak up instead of staying silent.
Here are some Vancouver -base Black organizations that we can learn from and support:
@hogans.alley
@blackhealthcan
@blackyouthhelpline
Black in BC Community Support Fund for COVID-19