EAP continues to stand in solidarity with our Black communities, against white supremacy, and for the dismantling of the systems that perpetuate racism and the criminalization of Black, Brown, and Trans bodies in the United States.
For some of us, the world we live in is coming into sharp focus. We are opening our eyes to the realities and injustices of our world. For some of us, this is nothing new or surprising. We are witness to yet another boiling point as we have been holding these dangers with us every day. We live in and honor this multiplicity as each of us process and respond in different ways. In the words of poet Lindsay Young: “Resistance is NOT a one lane highway. Maybe your lane is protesting, maybe your lane is organizing, maybe your lane is counseling, maybe your lane is art activism, maybe your lane is surviving the day. Do NOT feel guilty for not occupying every lane. We need all of them.” What we cannot do is pretend that this is not happening or that it doesn’t affect us.
To our white and non-Black POC communities, we urge you to learn and grow as allies to the movement. Use your platforms to uplift Black voices and those who are doing the work. For those who are processing, please do not look to Black folx in your community for answers. Organize your non-Black circles to hold space as you feel, learn, and grow into this work.
EAP is not a monolithic institution with one voice and experience; we are stewards of various voices and experiences of the people in our networks. So, rather than making a unilateral statement, we leave you with personal statements by voices from our network.
Authentically prioritizing Black voices means prioritizing Black folx needs—allowing for time to process and not forcing those voices to speak unless and until they wish to. We offer platform and do not expect the people bearing the burden of systemic racism to also bear the burden of public response. This space will remain open and ready as statements come in.
RESOURCES
Emerging Arts Professionals | Practices – These are the practices we use to work together at EAP in the fellowship, in leadership and programming, and anything we do. We also have found them to be hugely beneficial for many cross-cultural/generational/political/experiential interactions and communications
Racial Equity Tools – a wealth of tools, research, tips, curricula and ideas to support racial equity work
Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) – The Movement for Black Lives is an ecosystem of individuals and organizations creating a shared vision and policy agenda to win rights, recognition, and resources for Black people
The Okra Project – The Okra Project is a collective that seeks to address the global crisis faced by Black Trans people by bringing home cooked, healthy, and culturally specific meals and resources to Black Trans People wherever we can reach them.
