Los Angeles - California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) President and CEO Myrna Castrejón issued the following statement today in response to this week’s killing of George Floyd and continued violence against African Americans:
“The killing of George Floyd by a white police officer is just the latest and ugliest reminder that racism and violence continues to be a festering wound upon our society. The images of Mr. Floyd suffering on that street, his life waning under the officer’s knee, provoked nausea and personal despair.
"The pain and anger being felt by our brothers and sisters in the Black community is unfathomable. Here is what I do know: We cannot look the other way. Silence is not an option. Silence is complicity. In the past 30 days alone, we’ve learned of and seen multiple horrible racial/ist incidents explode upon our national consciousness: Ahmaud Arbery killed during a jog in a Georgia neighborhood. Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT providing health care during a pandemic, killed during a police raid of her home in Louisville, Kentucky. Christian Cooper, bird watching in Central Park, threatened by a white woman willing to weaponize his race against him during a call to police.
"It is simply not enough to say, ‘I’m not racist…,’ which is unfortunately often followed by the treacherous ‘but’ at the end of that phrase. Being an ally in this fight against racism and injustice requires meaningful action, reflection, and a commitment to do better individually and collectively. It’s up to all of us to do something. Call Minneapolis, Louisville and Georgia authorities to demand justice. Donate to organizations fighting for civil rights. Work in our schools to transform spaces where community and understanding may live. Don’t tell. Show. Learn. Dignity and humanity demand it.
"CCSA is making a $10,000 contribution to the Equal Justice Initiative, an organization that fights for criminal justice reform, racial justice and provides public education on the history of racism and inequality in our country.
"In the days ahead, let’s all do the necessary emotional and intellectual work to better understand privilege—it’s not just white and it’s not just race.
"We mourn with the families of Mr. Floyd, Ms. Taylor and Mr. Arbery, and stand in solidarity with the African American community across the country in demanding justice.”