Dear SAGE Family,
As most of you are aware, the United States is experiencing an unprecedented and historic moment of sadness and unrest.
I’m fighting tears in my eyes as I type because I’m recalling vivid memories of when my father, a black man whose family migrated to the U.S. from Haiti, would experience moments of discrimination because of the color of his skin. Seeing service professionals at a bank refusing to acknowledge his presence, hearing people lock their car doors in fear as we walked by, watching people move to the opposite side of the street to create safe distance, being pulled over and questioned by police without ever being given a reason for being stopped, hearing people from a distance shout in his direction while referring to him with that derogatory “n”-word. This was his norm, and unless someone crossed a line that threatened me or my mother, he received these moments with acceptance and grace. As if it was both expected and acceptable. The problem is, this is not acceptable.
Systemic injustice, racism and discrimination exists. To deny this or to remain neutral or silent is wrong. One of my favorite quotes from Desmond Tutu underscores why being neutral or silent can be dangerous: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” The U.S. is heartbroken and full of sadness, disappointment and anger. Of course we are not alone in this. Nor is this the first time the world has witnessed tragedy as the result of discrimination. People all over the world are vulnerable because of where they come from, the color of their skin, their faith or whom they choose to love. And again, this is unacceptable.
We’ve been learning a lot from the Covid-19 crisis, including the importance of community and support of one another. So, while It’s ok to feel the emotions that are, at times, overwhelming, it’s also important to acknowledge that we are choosing to stand together. I’m proud to be united with our SAGE Global community because our collection of voices can be powerful for this generation and generations to come. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inseparable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Because our actions, and inactions, have impact, it’s time to become more accountable for our choices, more intentional with our decisions, and mutually supportive in addressing the major unmet needs of our global community.
We recognize the urgency and the responsibility we have as a global organization committed to making the world a better place. Every day is an opportunity for us all to listen, to self-examine and to break down barriers and drive the changes we want to see. We can begin today by standing together, peaceful, and unbreakable in our support of one another.
My commitment to you, as a leader, is to listen and seek to understand how SAGE Global can continue to lead change in small and big ways.
Please take good care of yourselves and your loved ones, and continue caring for our beautifully diverse SAGE Family from all around the world.
In peace and solidarity,
Rob Best
Chief Executive Officer
SAGE Global
rbest@sageglobal.org
www.sageglobal.org
