United News – June 2020

Dear Friends,

On Thursday, June 4, George Floyd was being remembered and honored in multiple memorial services. While the tributes are deserved, his death was not. What happened to George Floyd and countless other black men and women over generations is horrific and unconscionable.

We’re at a critical inflection point as individuals, families, members of faith communities, and as leaders of government, businesses and nonprofits. And that includes this United Way.

Our mission is to mobilize people and resources to ensure opportunity for all children and all families. It’s founded on two primary beliefs: respect, diversity and inclusion make us stronger; and equity in education, economic mobility and health are only possible if there is equal access to justice.

Mr. Floyd’s murder, the deaths of countless black men and women, the on-going discrimination of people of color prove that we can, and we must, do more and do better.

While some of us may be struggling with giving voice to what we are personally feeling, it’s critically important that we stand up and speak out against racism and discrimination. Let’s come together individually and collectively to hold up and take positive action on this truth: Black Lives Matter.

In this special edition of United News, you’ll find resources on navigating current events, trauma and opportunities to take positive action. We’ll provide updates through this newsletter and our website. And until we can meet in person, we’ll be hosting virtual community forums to engage you and others on how we move forward as a community.

Let me know what’s important to you and how you’d like to be involved, United together.