We at the Pennsylvania Humanities Council cannot stay silent about the recent events that have once again highlighted the pernicious and systemic problems that Black people and all people of color face every day. We believe in justice for George Floyd and the countless other victims of police brutality and racism, but real justice will only come when we each do our part to build an equitable society.

Our experience in communities across Pennsylvania has been that when people can see one another's humanity through stories, reflection, and relationship building, they are not only capable of doing this work but are often eager to challenge their biases and cross divides in order to shape a future where everyone is safe and free. We’ve witnessed how conversation and dialog can create avenues for civic involvement and community development once thought impossible.

The process of confronting a society and national history replete with white supremacy and systemic inequities that impede justice can be difficult and uncomfortable. It takes real work but we can and must do this. 

The Pennsylvania Humanities Council believes in the power of people from all walks of life to come together to make change. We stand with each and every person taking action for a more perfect union. All of us must join this struggle for justice. 

But in the words of Maya Angelou, “Nothing will work unless you do.”

There are many resources online to help us all become part of the change; one we recommend is "Talking About Race" from the National Museum of African American History & Culture. It provides tools and guidance to empower us on our journeys and inspire meaningful conversations and actions in our lives and in our communities.