The unconscionable death of George Floyd requires we all take action.

Safety is at the heart of what we do in the resilient housing movement.  Here at Build Change, we believe in the fundamental right of people everywhere to live safe lives, regardless of the color of their skin. That safety starts at home—but we must acknowledge that even home is not a safe place for the many black Americans who have lost their lives at the hands of police.    

Breonna Taylor was killed in bed.  So was Dominique Clayton. Botham Jean was eating a bowl of vanilla ice cream in his living room.  And Atatiana Jefferson was babysitting her nephew.

As an organization headquartered in Denver, Colorado we cannot remain silent while we watch our fellow citizens of color live in daily fear for their lives, even inside their own homes.

At the same time, we also acknowledge the legacy of segregation and redlining, which even today continue to make many minority-majority neighborhoods in the United States inherently unequal places to live.  It is not a coincidence that communities of color have also been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, as marginalized healthcare options, mistreatment by police, and lack of access to affordable and safe housing are all the fruit of the same poisonous tree.

How can we help?

Right now, we are mourning, and we are raising our fists in solidarity with everyone marching and speaking out about racial violence.  We are amplifying the voices of black, indigenous, and leaders of color through social media.  And we are listening, so we can learn from and become a better ally of communities of color in the United States.

While we listen, we will #saytheirnames: