​

 

From the horror of a nation witnessing the execution of an unarmed Black man by police and the use of tear gas and armed military to disperse unarmed civilians, to the throngs of peaceful demonstrators across the US risking their health to demand systemic change and racial justice, the fissures in our society have been laid bare, yet again. 

 

Anguish and exhaustion remain visible on the faces of our Black family members, friends, and communities. Despite the centuries of trauma and oppression, we also witnessed individual and collective strength, an unwillingness to be silenced, and passionate civic engagement. We have seen multimedia pieces produced and published in real-time to promote immediate safety and sustained change. 

 

The GBYM Board of Directors supports our Black families, parents, spouses, siblings, friends, neighbors, teachers, colleagues, fellow Board Members, volunteers, and leaders' right to be safe and feel safe everywhere. As individuals, we on the GBYM Board have different lived experiences, and we stand together in condemnation of racism that persists in the United States, including the myriad public policies that support racism. And we must do more.

​

Over the coming months, you will hear more from the GBYM Board. You will also hear from the young people in our programs, as they build their confidence and media skills to promote community building, multicultural understanding, and the common good. 

 

We will not stop until racial justice is achieved. 

Stay safe, stay strong, and stay engaged. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

The GBYM Board of Directors: 

 

​