HFFC felt that we should not be silent after the killing of George Floyd and the other threats to black and brown people that have been so appallingly on view recently. As part of our Social Action response, Anita and Amy drafted this Letter to the Editor and adjusted it for Cary's feedback. Cary then signed it and submitted it today 6/2/2020) to the Editors of The Hour (Norwalk), NancyOnNorwalk (Norwalk), Stamford Advocate, Danbury NewsTimes, and the Connecticut Post. Here's the text:
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To the Editor:
Humanists value equality and inclusion, and we are dismayed by the systemic
racism that has been on shocking display in recent weeks. Police violence.
The latest example of the danger of “walking while black,” in which a white
woman threatened a birdwatcher in Central Park. COVID-19, which – because
of social inequities – is killing black and brown people disproportionately.
Black lives matter. How sad it is that in the 21st century America still
has to be reminded of this fact. And how urgent it is that we as a society
address the many threats to black peoples' lives.
We encourage our friends and neighbors, local leaders and law enforcement,
legislators and our Governor to take this painful moment and use it to
examine racial injustice and systemic racism. Within our own group we are
continuing this dialog and also support the CT NAACP call for a CT Urban
Strategic COVID-19 Plan.
It is urgent that we come together to face racial injustice honestly and put
into action local solutions to fulfill our nation’s promise of freedom and
justice for all.
Signed,
Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (HFFC)
Cary Shaw, President
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6/6/2020 update:
Per Cary, letters have been published here so far:
Letter in NancyOnNorwalk: "Action is urgently needed"
Letter in The Hour: "Face racial injustice honestly"