Equity
A Personal and Organizational Call to Action Copy

Equity
I’ve reflected a great deal this past month over the tragic, brutal and senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless other Black Americans killed because of the color of their skin and realize there is much more I and Supportive Housing Works must do to understand, resist and fight racism.
Systemic racism is wide spread and pervasive throughout America and tightly woven into the fabric of our society, our culture, our cities and towns. It is imbedded in our educational, judicial and correctional systems and in our businesses, civic organizations and religious institutions. Supportive Housing Works is no exception and as a leader of this organization for the past 14 years I take personal responsibility for these failings, largely through neglect and silence, which is as destructive and harmful as overt acts of racism.
Systemic racism, discrimination, and the ongoing oppression of people of color have created marginalized communities in which people are denied opportunities for economic mobility, family stabilization and general good health. The evidence speaks for itself.
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So, what can I and SHWorks do to be a committed and resolute participant and partner in dismantling racism in our organizations, in our communities, in our state and in our nation?
Today, as I start on what I know to be a long awakening journey, I commit:
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I respect honor and cherish all of you and value the diverse perspectives you bring in our efforts to house our most vulnerable neighbors. This will not be an easy process for SHWorks, but I commit to you personally to be tenacious, relentless and resourceful and to use the collective power and social capital of SHWorks to effect meaningful impactful change for as long as I stay a part of this wonderful organization that is on a path to be ever more accommodating, courageous, and pathbreaking.
In Peace,
David B Rich
Executive Director Supportive Housing Works
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