Black Lives Matter

The conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd shows us that police accountability is possible, though it remains the exception. We know that this conviction does not change the fundamental racial inequities in all aspects of American life, including the criminal justice system. We are acutely aware that true justice would be the end of state sanctioned violence against Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. 

As we reflect on this news, we sit in deep grief, sorrow, and anger over violence enacted by the state that claimed the lives of Ma’Khia Bryant in Columbus, Ohio, mere moments before the reading of the verdict and of Andrew Brown in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, less than 24 hours after the conviction. Similarly, the horrific acts of violence recently carried out against Asian-Americans in Georgia and other parts of the United States is further evidence that the undertaking of systemic, structural, and cultural change is critical now.

The Laughing Gull Foundation is guided by a vision of healthy and sustainable communities where everyone can be their whole selves and be supported, included, embraced, and protected, especially those who have been pushed to the margins. This can only be achieved by abolishing centuries-old systems based on racism and white supremacy through the long-haul work of healing, justice, and reparations.  In the wake of this conviction, we stand in solidarity with all those in this country dedicated to this work.  We commit ourselves to being a resource for communities in the South organizing the change needed to achieve true justice and  freedom.