DO BETTER

Dear Friends & Colleagues, 

These past few weeks in the United States have brought to the forefront a deeply broken and racist system of oppression – something that our black communities have experienced for generations. The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are just a few of many examples of the inequity that Black Americans face.   

Racism causes so much pain and injustice in our society, yet it will only continue to persist as long as there is silence. Silence is what helped kill George Floyd as officers watched another officer kneel on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Silence, whether we want it to or not, is what empowers this broken system.  

This is why we must speak out. This is why we cannot accept just not being racist, but we must adopt anti-racist systems and policies.  

I also recognize that black voices and cries have gone unheard for far too long. My challenge to you is that as you condemn continued violence against the black community and adopt an anti-racist mindset, please look to emphasize and empower black voices.  

Bwenzi was founded on the hope of empowering students and communities, but this doesn’t happen without first listening. Whether in the villages of Malawi or on our university campuses, we continue to commit to empowering black voices and listening to their stories. 

It’s past time for us to listen, learn, and then take action.  
 

For ways to Do Better: learn, review, and use this resource.

James Lee