26TH JUNE 2020
Black Lives Matter
Most people would agree that racism exists and is something that needs to be eradicated in order for there to be a positive society that benefits all. This is an easy statement to make. The difficult part is then reflecting on history and acknowledging some difficult truths. The Black Lives Matter movement has highlighted just how systemic racism affects people of colour, at times proving to be fatal.
We here in Australia have our own shocking statistics of Indigenous deaths in custody and the general treatment of our First Nations brothers and sisters. It shows that racism does not stop at any one country's coastline. It must be said that we value the good work that our police do and how through community collaboration are able to keep communities safe. It is amazing to see police officers supporting the movement, acknowledging that change is needed within the system. We also acknowledge those who have tried to implement change and as such lost their jobs because of it due to unwillingness by those in power.
We support the Black Lives Matter movement and through this statement want to acknowledge the importance of this type of movement to move things forward for our most vulnerable populations. It's true that every life matters, this movement does not debate this. What it stands for is making sure that black lives matter just as much as anyone else's.
In Rotary we have a code we live by:
- Is it the truth,
- Is it fair to all concerned,
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships,
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
We believe as a humanitarian organisation, with this code and morally we have an obligation to play a role in supporting this movement and promoting meaningful change. If we do not, they can simply seem like well-meaning words without the courage to back them up.
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https://www.facebook.com/SalisburyRotaract/posts/2700068963561324
Photo Taken From: HindustanTimes
We here in Australia have our own shocking statistics of Indigenous deaths in custody and the general treatment of our First Nations brothers and sisters. It shows that racism does not stop at any one country's coastline. It must be said that we value the good work that our police do and how through community collaboration are able to keep communities safe. It is amazing to see police officers supporting the movement, acknowledging that change is needed within the system. We also acknowledge those who have tried to implement change and as such lost their jobs because of it due to unwillingness by those in power.
We support the Black Lives Matter movement and through this statement want to acknowledge the importance of this type of movement to move things forward for our most vulnerable populations. It's true that every life matters, this movement does not debate this. What it stands for is making sure that black lives matter just as much as anyone else's.
In Rotary we have a code we live by:
- Is it the truth,
- Is it fair to all concerned,
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships,
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
We believe as a humanitarian organisation, with this code and morally we have an obligation to play a role in supporting this movement and promoting meaningful change. If we do not, they can simply seem like well-meaning words without the courage to back them up.
****
https://www.facebook.com/SalisburyRotaract/posts/2700068963561324
Photo Taken From: HindustanTimes