We have been silent on social media in light of recent events to take time to reflect upon the current state of our country in order to better express our thoughts on the matter. Our local Black Lives Matter group has asked for businesses statewide to close their doors today to mourn and honor those who have lost their lives to police brutality. After much consideration, this is something we’ve chosen not to participate in because of our clients rely on the food bank’s operation as their source of food. However, we would like to clarify that without a doubt, we stand with and support the Black Lives Matter Movements.

For hundreds of years, black communities have suffered racism, prejudice, and acts of violence for the color of their skin. And even now in 2020, this sentiment remains. According to the United States Census Bureau, white people make up 76.5% of our country’s population, where black people make up only 13.4%. Still, black people are subjected to racism, fear, hate, and violence more than any other race in our country currently.

We are devastated over the deaths of George Floyd, Manual Ellis, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the countless other members of the black community that have lost their lives due to racism and police brutality. These episodes of brutality that have been caught on video, recently and in the past, are important to showcasing what needs to change in our society. It is imperative that this movement continues to highlight the inequalities and injustices black people, both with the interactions with law enforcement and within our communities.

We may not have contributed to the construction of the current institutions and systems, but it is our responsibility to fix what has been broken. The time is now for us to work together to take down the old systems that were created on a foundation of racism, hate, and supremacy, and construct a new foundation in our government based on true equality.

Making a Difference Foundation believes that racism has no place in today’s world. As an agency that helps people from all walks of life, respecting people regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexuality, and religious beliefs, we encourage everyone to get involved NOW and make our home a better place – a place for all.

Let’s come together to make this change happen. It starts with us.