With the murder of George Floyd, our country has seen yet again the impact of police brutality and bias against African Americans. And once again, people have taken to the streets and to social media – to say “Enough is enough.” The events that occurred in Minneapolis are not unique. They have occurred throughout this country’s history, are embedded in systems and institutions that privilege white people over others, and have caused intergenerational trauma that will take a long time to heal.
Often when an organization makes a statement regarding current events, it is the Director or CEO making the statement alone as a representative of the whole organization. FACES has a different idea. In the true spirit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion FACES has offered a platform to lift up the diversity of voices in our staff, our alumni, and our students.
We would also like to share a really special video that we received from one of our FACES alumni in response to the Coalition’s call for statements about racial equity and social justice. Dominique is a graduate of our program at the Native American Community Academy in Albuquerque, and she wrote and recited a poem about her reaction to the murder of George Floyd. Her poem is titled Seen, But Not Heard
Click HERE to read our Founding Director Dr. Tomas Magana’s letter to FACES students.