Over the last few weeks, thousands of rural communities have come together to call for an end to racial injustice in America. At Rural LISC, we have long stood with those who are working for change, progress and innovation in Rural America to build a society where every life is sacred. Community development needs to be anti-racist.
Black and Indigenous people have formed the heart of Rural America since before the founding of this country, and immigrants and new Americans, many of whom are people of color, are our beloved neighbors in many rural areas. Current Census and Economic data shows that rural communities today are growing and thriving largely because of our immigrant brothers and sisters of color.
We are committed to standing against racial injustice and division; and to tirelessly work to uphold the principles upon which our Democratic Republic was founded.
As we redouble our work to pursue racial justice with our partners and the national LISC organization, we will take inspiration and strength from the Rural Americans who have come out to honor and fight for so many others who have suffered unjustly from systemic racism.
We also are committed to doing what it takes to check our own individual programs and processes/operations for systemic racism and to invest the time and energy required to change them - there is no quick solution for these long-standing issues. We invite you to reach out and share your experiences, feedback and questions. We will work in the coming weeks to develop opportunities for conversation, discussion and sharing during these historic times.
Please join us in this effort. We look forward to working with the broader community development field to help build an equitable as well as just America. We stand in solidarity with the Black community.
The Rural LISC Team