The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.
Alice Walker
We, at Saheli, and as South Asians, stand in solidarity with Black Americans and share their grief and anger over the death of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Dion Johnson, and so many more. Saheli’s vision is to create a world free from oppression and violence. We believe in our power to affect change by making our voices heard. We denounce police brutality and raise our voices against institutionalized racism, historical oppression, and structural inequalities that perpetuate injustices on American communities of color. As South Asian immigrants, we recognize that many of the freedoms we enjoy are a result of the work of Black and Brown movements that have fought against all forms of socioeconomic oppression.
As responsible South Asians, here are a few things we can do to be a part of this important cause:
- Reflect on our own biases and prejudices, and have a conversation on anti-blackness with our family, friends and relatives. Hold conversations within the community. Saheli will be holding a community conversation on Tuesday, June 16 at 4 pm.
- Acknowledge that racism exists. Openly denounce all forms of racial injustice, including police brutality.
- If you witness any form of racism, use your privilege to make your voice heard. Believe that our voices have the power to affect change.
- Share your wealth. Fund a racial justice cause or organization. Find a whole list of them here.
- Support Black-owned businesses. Here are a few in Massachusetts.
- Vote. Vote. Vote. Vote in local, state and federal elections. #WhatMatters2020
- Finally, and most importantly, listen to and believe our Black brothers and sisters, and continue to support all causes that fight all kinds of oppression.
Saheli will be a part of the demonstration against racism organized by Burlington Interfaith Clergy Group, on Tuesday, June 9th, at 5 pm. Join us at the Burlington Commons on Cambridge Street and make your voices heard.
In solidarity,
Saheli
More resources:
Black Lives Matter Letter in Bangla | Video Reading
Reading of the letter in Telugu
Terms for addressing Anti-Blackness in various South Asian languages
