Statement from Woodbridge Quakers 18th July 2020
We express solidarity and support for the peaceful demonstration in Elmhurst Park on Saturday 20th June, and the wider Black Lives Matter movement.
We condemn the graffiti and dismantling of BLM posters in our towns and villages over the last week.
We condemn the killing of George Floyd and the tragic deaths of people of colour at the hands of the police. Police misconduct is part of long-standing
institutional racism, in the US and here in the UK. Racial prejudice in the criminal justice system continues to lead to the targeting of people of colour –
in particular, young black men.
We recognise that to remain silent in the face of systemic violence is to be complicit in that violence.
We add our voices to all people and groups calling for an immediate end to institutional racism.
We acknowledge the pain of our black friends. As a predominantly white community, we acknowledge our own part in an unjust system.
We commit to listen and be led by our BAME friends fighting for justice.
We commit to proactively educate ourselves, and to act in support and solidarity when we are asked and when we know it is the right thing to do.
