fbpx

CCJ Statement in Solidarity

Posted May 30, 2020, by Sarah Martik


Credit:  Sigal Photos

Credit: Sigal Photos

The past few weeks have left our hearts both broken and furious. We mourn for the loss of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others who have been killed in instances of unveiled racism. We are grateful to those who continue to protest white supremacy in all of its forms, understanding that for many of us it is a privilege to choose to stand in solidarity or to stay comfortably silent. 

“Riots are the language of the unheard.” Martin Luther King’s words are especially relevant today. We see the riots in Minneapolis, but what we hear in these actions are the pleas for justice and an overdue assertion that Black lives do matter. When elected officials suggest that violence be perpetuated against their own constituents, we must recognize the underlying, inherent racism and reject it both in our culture and at our ballot boxes. 

At CCJ, we move forward with the commitment that when Black members of our communities tell their stories we collectively take time to listen, reflect, and move together to tear down these systems of oppression. 

We encourage you to use your voice and power, to not remain silent during these times, and do what you can to resource them. Please consider donating to some or all of the following organizations: 

Minnesota Freedom Fund

Black Visions Collective 

Reclaim the Block

Also please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if you have any questions or need some extra support around our collective need to dismantle structural racism. 

Author

  • SMartik

    Sarah joined the CCJ team as a Community Organizer in 2017 after previous work in performing arts and foreign language education, and became our Executive Director in 2023. A resident of Coal Center, PA, she is excited to work on issues related to legacy coal mining and the connection between the Appalachian petrochemical buildout and increases in fracking in southwestern PA communities like hers. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy but often says that her undergraduate degree in Theatre from the California University of Pennsylvania has been more useful in her work than anything else (ask her why sometimes!). When she is not working, Sarah loves spending time with her fiancé, niece, and nephews, and going on walks with her "fur kid" Lucy. Contact Sarah at smartik@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org.

    View all posts
Posted In:
Shopping Cart