Wake Up America

#TakeAmericaBackAgain - The USA's collective hearts are broken as we see expressions of racism, hatred, and anti-Semitism on the University of Virginia campus turn into a riot. #TABA

Saddened by the death of one activist and two public safety officials, as well as the wounding of many others. Expressions of racism and hatred paired with violent actions are not new to this nation. History shows that marchers armed with guns and sticks, carrying shields and torches, and chanting Nazi slogans have one main purpose to strike fear and terror in the hearts of people of color, immigrants, Jews, Muslims, and all who believe in a more inclusive, tolerant nation, which is the United States of America.

Remaining silent in the face of hatred is to be complicit to it. We must do not remain silent, as some so-called leaders have while white supremacists, emboldened by a rhetoric to perpetuate violence and incite bigotry.

Let us all denounce the KKK, the Nazis, and other white supremacist groups. But we must do more. We call on all branches of government to bring to justice those involved in fomenting violence and terror. Further, we call on them to denounce all attempts to equate nonviolent protests like Black Lives Matter with violent hate groups.

We decry all violence, discrimination, and any attempts to intimidate, silence, and harm our democratic process. Let us reject racism and white supremacy. We stand with all families across this already great America to work for an equitable and welcoming environment where it is safe to live, learn, peacefully disagree and intelligently debate our pressing issues and fight with all our might for a just society that relies on our US Constitution, which includes freedom of the press.