“Our Center works to stand in solidarity and action against anti-Black racism. Our students, staff, and faculty have devoted significant efforts in their research, teaching, service, and personal lives to this goal. This labor has fallen disproportionately on our Black students and colleagues. We can do better and we will act in support and solidarity to hold one another accountable for doing so.”
-Dr. Moradi, Director (Read full letter here.)
The police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, and the longstanding acts of violence and harassment against Black people, ignited collective horror and outrage. Many have responded with a week of protest and activism across the U.S. and internationally. As that week ends, it is vital not to set aside this issue and to continue anti-racist actions. In that spirit, we call for support and participation in an initiative started by doctoral student Pearis Bellamy, Assistant Professor Dr. Della Mosley, and their colleagues:
Join Academics for Black Survival and Wellness Week
“The purpose of this week is to intervene against anti-Black racism and other forms of white supremacy as it manifests in academia and, in turn, enhance the safety and wellness of Black students, staff, faculty, and community members. In recognition of the toll that anti-Black racism, white supremacy, and racial trauma has on Black people, we are calling for White and non-Black People of Color to suspend all research activities and “work” that they benefit from (that does not directly serve Black people) for one week, beginning on Juneteenth, June 19, 2020 – June 25, 2020.”
– Rebekah Ingram Estevez, M.Ed. and Dr. Della Mosley
—–
There is a strong body of scholarship devoted to understanding and eliminating anti-black violence and oppression. This critical race scholarship often uses intersectionality to highlight how anti-black racism is inextricably linked with gender, class, and disability, among other key axes of power. Drawing on this literature and the work of activists inside and outside the academy, we offer some resources.