In June, following the murder of George Floyd, we issued statements committing our organization to help fight the endemic and systemic racism that daily haunts the lives of African-Americans and other people of color in our country.
“Speeches and statements alone, although important, have proved inadequate,” we said. “Acts—actual deeds to dismantle systemic racism—are now the currency required to validate our words.”
Today, we join the nation in mourning the passing of a great man who dedicated his life to acting against racism, injustice and inequality of all types: John Lewis.
In an essay he wrote shortly before his death on July 17, Mr. Lewis spoke of the responsibility we all have to take action against injustice.
“When you see something that is not right, you must say something,” he wrote. “You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.”
We share his words with you—our clients, our supporters, our friends—in the hope that they comfort, inspire, and motivate you to continue playing an active role in the struggle against injustice.
Read: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation, by the Honorable John Lewis