The death of George Floyd while pleading for his life shall forever be ingrained on the conscience of America.  There is a long legacy of terror and abuse inflicted on people of color in the United States.  We see it in the criminal justice system, in ICE raids and detention centers, while jogging down the street, birdwatching in Central Park, and in our daily lives.

American policing needs radical restructuring. However, that alone will not address people’s cries for freedom. In the communities we work with across the country, police and community violence is no secret, it is the norm.  UPI is well aware of the hidden realities in Black and Brown communities, partnering with folks who have survived the War on Gangs, the War on Drugs, and other invisible street wars. 

Our brothers and sisters have experienced the brunt of the “us versus them” mentality—where police abuse and street violence are all too common.  False arrests, racial profiling, planted evidence, beatings, incarceration, racial and neighborhood conflict, shootings, fear, and the death of children and loved ones, have been commonplace for far too long.

Our work has been to diligently shine light on these hidden realities, to hear the voices of the oppressed, to build platforms with residents and practitioners, and to transform systems so that they are truly accountable to the people they serve. As Kareem Abdul-Jabbar eloquently expressed, “Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible — even if you’re choking on it — until you let the sun in.”

We mourn the death of George Floyd, as a painful and grim reminder of our country’s violent history. His death serves as a reminder of the oppression and incarceration experienced by generations of men and women of color, which has been fueled by systemic racism, mass incarceration policies, and the criminal justice system.

Black Lives Matter and the protests throughout the country, have ignited a movement to counter White Supremacy in America.  We stand in lock step with our Black brothers and sisters as we continue to fight for justice and freedom for our people. 

Paz,

Fernando Rejón

Executive Director