Yesterday afternoon, my colleagues and I took time to reflect on the conviction of Derek Chauvin in the brutal murder of George Floyd. We are relieved with the accountability this court decision brings, and hope that this is a measure of justice for the Floyd family, bystanders who witnessed his murder, Minnesotans, and all who have been traumatized by this tragedy. But we are clear eyed and recognize that this is not a moment of rest from our work towards racial equity. Even as this verdict was reached, a Black teenage girl was shot and killed by police officers in Ohio. A single act of accountability is not the same as justice. Justice would be George Floyd, Duarte Wright, Adam Toledo, Ma’Khia Bryant, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, and so many more still alive today.
Arcora Foundation is committed to health equity. We know racial and ethnic disparities will continue to persist as long as structural racism does. Achieving health equity will not come independent of dismantling harmful, racist systems in all areas of our nation – from health care to criminal justice. The CDC recently declared racism a serious public health threat. We remain steadfast in continuing our journey to equity, inclusion and diversity within our own organization and communities we work with. The Foundation continues its commitment to good oral and overall health for all, with no one left behind, and in that, a commitment to work alongside partners to dismantle systemic health inequities.
We pause to remember the life of George Floyd, and to show deep appreciation to the thousands of activists who’ve led this call for justice for far too long. But the work is ongoing. And we must all do our part to build an equitable future for everyone. A future where Black and Brown people enjoy full rights to equitable treatment, opportunity, safety, and joy.
Vanetta Abdellatif
President and CEO, Arcora Foundation