The MCSP believes that Black lives matter. We strongly condemn racism and racist violence against Black communities and individuals.
We condemn all forms of oppression and racism. We recognize that oppression may be overt, subtle or subconscious, and in the worst cases can have fatal consequences. We do not have space to list the names of all of the lives that have tragically been cut short, nor can we fully understand the impact of those losses.
Since March 10th, Breanna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Nina Pop, Tony McDade and George Floyd have been murdered-5 deaths in 3 months, and those are just deaths that we know about. As we try to express our condolences to the friends and family left behind, we find ourselves struggling to find words that would even begin to approach the horror of these murders and what their loved ones have been through.
We recognize that systemic oppression can lead to negative mental health outcomes up to and including suicide, and that social justice is suicide prevention.
We recognize that until all of our communities are safe from oppression, until all of our community members can live without fear of violence or injustice, none of us can afford to remain passive or 'neutral'.
We cannot allow ourselves to be bystanders while oppression and systemic racism lead to the tragic deaths of so many people of color, nor while these senseless acts of violence create fear and trauma among all communities of color.
As people of color and white allies, we need to stand in solidarity with the Black community, understanding that we all have a role to play in challenging systemic racism and injustice.
We stand in solidarity with those who seek to change unjust systems and challenge inequity on individual, interpersonal, cultural, systemic and social levels, including ensuring that our justice system is no longer used as an instrument of oppression or violence.
The following resources/actions may help us move toward positive change and understanding in this process:
MCSP Alliance for Equity Widening the Lens Toolkit
https://www.masspreventssuicide.org/widening-the-lens-exploring-the-role-of-social-justice-and-racial-equity-in-suicide-prevention
Ways you can support the Black community and combat racism:
https://www.glaad.org/blog/here-are-ways-you-can-support-black-community-and-fight-combat-racism-discrimination
8 Everyday ways to fight racism
https://nnedv.org/latest_update/8-everyday-ways-to-fight-racism/
What White people can do for racial justice
https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234
If you or someone you know is struggling and in need of support, the following resources are available:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7): 1-800-273-TALK
Coping with grief after community violence
https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Coping-With-Grief-After-Community-Violence/SMA14-4888
MCSP Alliance for Equity
MCSP Executive Committee
