EL, being female and Asian led, has always championed inclusivity from marginalized voices. That is why all of us here are outraged by George Floyd’s death by the literal knee of the Minneapolis police, as well as the continued acts of violence by police against peaceful protestors. It is our duty to speak out, to be informed, to listen, and to learn. We must stand together with all of the victims of an oppressive, racist system – one that hurts and marginalizes people based on the color of their skin.
Like all of us, George Floyd was someone’s son, brother, father, fiancé, friend. What if today it was your loved one? What if it was you? What if you never make it home today? This is the fear Black people live with every single day.
Floyd is one of a too, too long, and ever-growing list of names of people who were stolen from us by police brutality and an unjust system. Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Oscar Grant, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, Ahmaud Arbery (whose killers nearly got away had it not been for a viral video over two months later) – the list goes on. But we can make sure it ends.
We demand justice. We demand appropriate charges. We demand real action and change. Not just for one, but for all. We demand that each of these people be held accountable for their actions. We must address the systemic racism, oppression, and bias, and demand its undoing. A system of oppression is not a system that can continue.
We stand with our Black brothers and sisters. We recognize the privilege that we have and we intend to use it for good.
Black Lives Matter. Today and every single day.
If you want to help join the fight for a better tomorrow, we have compiled a list of resources to help you get started.
Evelyn Lee – Filmmaker – Director | Writer | Producer 