The brutal death of George Floyd is deeply disturbing and has sparked national outrage. We need to come to terms with systemic racism in our country and question why injustices like this have been allowed to persist. In the midst of a pandemic that has disproportionately ravaged communities of color, we search for meaningful action to dismantle systemic racism and effect positive change in our communities.
We believe that the first step is to listen. We need to listen to the voices and the experiences of people whose lives have been less safe and less just, simply due to the color of their skin. We need to listen to our black coworkers, neighbors, and residents’ fears about their loved ones getting home safely each night. We need to hear the stories of our black maintenance workers who are profiled and targeted even when in HMR uniform at their jobs. We need to hear the pain and confusion of a parent trying to explain racism to their small children.
Conversations about systemic racism are uncomfortable, but they are a necessary part of examining our own biases and actions, and our own role in perpetuating inequality. We need to listen, and learn, and participate in building a country that lives up to our highest ideals.
Listening is only the beginning of the process. Next, we must speak out. We must speak out against bigotry. We must speak out against those who hate. We cannot remain silent while they demonstrate hostility toward others. We cannot let cruelty and intolerance pass unremarked.
HMR’s mission is to create strong communities where all people are respected and valued. We are a company rich in diversity, intellect and compassion and we have a deep commitment to each other and to our residents. As a company, we have always drawn strength from our diversity and strived to create a culture that is inclusive of everyone. Now, we must do more. We need to take affirmative steps to fight racism, violence, discrimination, and hate.
We cannot be passive if we are to usher in the change we desperately need. Eradicating racism is not a task that is on black Americans or other people of color to solve. The system endangers us all, and it is up to all of us to do our part to dismantle the system of racism that permeates so many facets of daily life. In the coming days and weeks, we want to work together to process and meaningfully react to the recent events that have plagued our nation. However, this must not be a fleeting moment. Our current outrage must translate into real action as we examine our individual and organizational biases and privileges.
Sincerely,
President
Senior Vice President
On behalf of The Owners and Staff of Housing Management Resources
#IREACH4All #HMRCares #BetterTogether
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