Too many have suffered. Once again, we find our county and region speaking up in the continual struggle for justice. Our nation and the world mourn the senseless deaths of George Floyd and so many other Black and Brown people. Diverse voices across the country are unifying in their cry that Black Lives Matter and justice for all must prevail. The Western New York Foundation joins in this cry and stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Too many opportunities have been lost for not recognizing the value of all. As a foundation whose primary focus is building organizational capacity, we are acutely aware that institutions talk about wanting to build equitable programs, initiatives or communities but we fall short by defaulting to investing in those who already have the greatest capacity; capacity that is built on systemic and implicit biases. We have built a system that favors White communities in allocating resources, a privilege seldom extended to Black and Brown communities. These communities, who know best the inequities they face and often how to solve them, are repeatedly under-resourced and under-financed, forcing them to be left behind. This is just one injustice, but it is significant.

Now is the time, for we cannot wait for tomorrow. We stand in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color today and in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. As an organization that exists to elevate and support individuals and communities in Western New York, we are taking this opportunity to redouble our efforts to combat racism and injustice and invest in those organizations that are working every day to eradicate systemic inequities.

There is no “back to normal”. We believe, no matter what comes next, the "Community" must be included in the conversation. This means all people. Not necessarily those who are well known, well resourced, or well exposed. To really resolve that which plagues our country and region, the conversation must include the people who are in pain. We will lift up the voices that are addressing these issues and demand that the people who should be at the table in those conversations, are.

“Respect, Accept, Understand, Appreciate.”

Manilal Gandhi