To our members and readers:
Over the past few weeks, we have felt deep sadness and anger for the injustices that continue to be inflicted upon the Black community. The recent killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and too many others—have made inescapable the need for immediate and sustained action to overcome persistent and pervasive racial bias that exists throughout the country, including in our own city and our Park Slope neighborhood.
The Park Slope Civic Council is a neighborhood civic association that promotes and advocates for Park Slope. Aside from the activism of individual members, we have not historically been engaged, as an association, on issues of racial justice. However, without abandoning our existing mission we believe this must change. We denounce racism in all its forms and stand in solidarity with community members and organizations fighting for change.
We do not claim to be authorities in the areas of racial justice, equity and inclusion. Nevertheless, we do commit to mindfulness of those principles in our own work and to explore how our organization can be a proactive voice across these shared priorities. As we begin this effort we hope to engage with a wide range of community members, and encourage those interested in becoming involved to reach out to us at membership@parkslopeciviccouncil.org. Together we can make a significant impact.
Respectfully,
The Park Slope Civic Council