RYSE stands in love and solidarity with Black young people and young people of color across the Bay as they stand in their power and speak out against white supremacy and state-sanctioned violence. We stand in love and solidarity with young people who are taking to the streets or organizing virtually. We stand in love and solidarity with young people however they are holding, coping, struggling, surviving, and sustaining.
To our young people— RYSE loves you, we see you, we are sorry that our systems have not cared for you, and we know we have work to do to show up rightfully with you and for you. We commit to centering your emotional, physical and political safety. We commit to holding adults and the systems accountable to your safety, your humanity.
This commitment is ever present in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing pandemic of white supremacy and state-sanctioned terror against Black communities.
To our adult and system partners— We are aware of actions across the Bay, including in Pinole, that have been organized by Black youth leaders. There have been numerous attempts to violently threaten and dismantle their efforts towards peaceful demonstration. We STRONGLY condemn those who choose to mischaracterize and co-opt their efforts. We STRONGLY encourage and insist you use your places of power, influence, and responsibility to support our young people, to let them know they are loved, to apologize and commit to do better, and to hold each other in mutual support and accountability.
Ways we can show up for Black young people and young people of color to support their physical and political safety:
Listen and show up ready to take their lead—support their leadership and ask them what they need.
Offer support, guidance and resources.
Ensure their safety—be a buffer between young people and law enforcement or white supremacists, support as peacekeepers, and legal observers.
Show them love & compassion, not shame or judgment—we are all learning and mistakes may be made. Affirm their showing up and taking leadership as acts of courage.
Provide emotional support—do not censor their righteous rage, anger and grief.
To our white and non-Black community members— here is a list of anti-racism resources and funds to support.
We must all continue to hold each other accountable in dismantling and ending white supremacy so that we can all dream, build, and flourish in the loving, just systems we deserve.