The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery have forced our country to face the realities of Black oppression. This reality of American racism is amplified by the failure of the legal system to provide justice for Black people and their families, as we just witnessed again in Louisville, Kentucky.

It is undeniable that historically and systemically our institutions, especially the police, have deeply ingrained practices and policies that discriminate against and endanger, even brutalize, people of color. In the streets, homes, and schools of our communities Black people are criminalized. This can no longer be ignored.

That is the message of protestors who pour into the streets and risk their safety for Black lives. They exemplify the commitment and reckoning necessary to heal the wounds inflicted by our country’s shameful racist history.

The public outcry around the death of Breonna Taylor uniquely highlights not only racism, but sexism as well. While most instances of police violence that receive public outcry involve Black men, Black women, girls, and gender expansive individuals are also victims of brutality.

We must say her name. 

This is not just a moment, but a movement that must continue. We stand in solidarity with the Black community. We demand the necessary transformative change that works to undo systemic racism.

Historically, the women’s movement did not acknowledge the essential role of Black women and other women of color. That must change. We at PowHerNY are committed to undoing this. We are actively working to ensure that our internal structures practice anti-racism.

We acknowledge the differing experiences and struggles of women of color, especially Black women. We are committed to working for Inclusive Gender Justice. This intentional change in language has grounded us in the recognition that we are fighting for intersectional equity.

Let us move forward and create a future of inclusion and  justice by protecting, lifting up, and standing strong for each other.