Over the next few weeks, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream will be sharing public statements from leaders and organizations addressing racial inequality, in response to George Floyd’s death and the related protests. We are sharing statements that we have found to be valuable and thought-provoking.
Below is Sonal Shah and Nate Wong of the Beeck Center at Georgetown University's Statement reprinted in full:
Dear Beeck Center community -
Our hearts are broken. We know that heartfelt words are not enough, we also need to act.
Along with Georgetown University, the Beeck Center community mourns the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was killed by police in Minnesota. This horrific violence, along with the recent deaths of Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, the racial violence of Christian Cooper's experience in NYC, and unfortunately so many others, are disturbing reminders of the deep systemic racism that remains in our country, which threatens and takes the lives of Black Americans every day.
We stand with the Black community, and everyone who is personally affected by continued violence and its traumatic impacts. We join the many voices crying out for justice, and we commit to partner, promote, and actively do our part.
We have talked around the edges of the subject long enough. We will be more responsible in directly calling out disparities and injustices, actively participate in projects, and provide concrete ideas on remaking the system to benefit everyone.
The Beeck team is actively engaging. Erika Seth Davies points to continued racism in the asset management industry, and Amen Ra Mashariki shows that designing data exercises can ensure vulnerable communities won't be overlooked. These ideas and practices bring sunlight to what has stayed in shadow, and can turn the tides toward an inclusive society. In the coming days and months, we will continue to look for ways to make systemic and meaningful change internally and externally.
We will not let this opportunity pass. Over the next days and months we will look inside and see where we can do better. We'll work with our colleagues and have conversations with our friends in the Black community and our partners to identify how the Beeck Center can push for systemic change. The time is upon us. We will do this together.
Stay safe, stay strong.
Sonal Shah
Executive Director
Nate Wong
Managing Director
