 | We've seen the injustice, brutality, and terrible violence. We've observed moments of silence, issued statements, chanted and marched. We've done this all before. When will the injustice stop? We've responded - to every news cycle that reminds the nation of the terrible trauma experienced by black and brown |
people as they try to go about their daily lives - with words of solidarity and speeches denouncing the horrors that play on loop with the headlines. But when the headlines change, and we take a closer look, we see that the systems have not changed and that the same horrors continue to be routine in the lives of so many of our neighbors.
In the past year, PCC has issued statements referring to our values of diversity and inclusion. Today, we once again re-affirm these beliefs. These are not hollow statements. They are deeply held values that guide our work in service to our community.
And yet we must do more.
Racism is a system - a structure - into which we are all socialized. Racism is not only the heinous acts of a few immoral individuals. It is also the biases held by the many, often unknowingly, within the social norms we have internalized. The biases cause onlookers to stand by and not intervene in the face of injustice. Bystanders are not innocent. In the face of injustice, bystanders are complicit.
PCC’s vision is for a strong, vibrant community that supports all people in achieving healthy lives. However, we cannot attain this vision in a racist society. The unjust killing and mass incarceration of black people is a visible, tragic and unacceptable result of racism. The policies that reinforce racism such as inequitable access to housing, education, healthcare and wealth have also created a less visible but profound tragedy – disparities in health and quality years of life.
PCC works to build partnerships and strengthening systems. However, we must break down the current system of racism that perpetrates injustice for black Americans – the unjust deaths, but also the slow and terrible burdens of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer mortalities and other poor health.
We join with our many partners in Montgomery County to stand for an anti-racist agenda. Together we can work to disrupt, then dismantle, and finally eliminate the structural racism that is still pervasive in our society and build safe, healthy lives for all. #BlackLivesMatter
In the past year, PCC has issued statements referring to our values of diversity and inclusion. Today, we once again re-affirm these beliefs. These are not hollow statements. They are deeply held values that guide our work in service to our community.
And yet we must do more.
Racism is a system - a structure - into which we are all socialized. Racism is not only the heinous acts of a few immoral individuals. It is also the biases held by the many, often unknowingly, within the social norms we have internalized. The biases cause onlookers to stand by and not intervene in the face of injustice. Bystanders are not innocent. In the face of injustice, bystanders are complicit.
PCC’s vision is for a strong, vibrant community that supports all people in achieving healthy lives. However, we cannot attain this vision in a racist society. The unjust killing and mass incarceration of black people is a visible, tragic and unacceptable result of racism. The policies that reinforce racism such as inequitable access to housing, education, healthcare and wealth have also created a less visible but profound tragedy – disparities in health and quality years of life.
PCC works to build partnerships and strengthening systems. However, we must break down the current system of racism that perpetrates injustice for black Americans – the unjust deaths, but also the slow and terrible burdens of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer mortalities and other poor health.
We join with our many partners in Montgomery County to stand for an anti-racist agenda. Together we can work to disrupt, then dismantle, and finally eliminate the structural racism that is still pervasive in our society and build safe, healthy lives for all. #BlackLivesMatter
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