October 14, 2020
Dear DCE,
It’s been nineteen weeks since two viral videos showed the world traumatic experiences for many people in Black communities. Amy Cooper weaponized her privilege and called the NYPD to falsely claim she was in danger of being assaulted by a Black birdwatcher. In Minneapolis, George Floyd became another victim of police brutality when his neck was knelt on for an excruciating eight minutes and forty six seconds. Calling the police usually starts with violence, but oftentimes ends with Black death. This narrative isn’t new, but for many—forced to face the horrors of what systemic racism and police brutality—it is. These two incidents, and others which have come to light since then, are causing America to face the impact of what systemic racism is doing to our society as a whole.
We listened to our Black colleagues share raw and heartbreaking stories on how they navigate a society that sees the color of their skin as inherently problematic. Their words reminded us that racism isn’t just an unsavory character trait, but a systematic human rights issue that’s been prevalent since the birth of this nation.
This is our clarion call. We understand that Black Lives Matter isn’t a moment, but a movement. We must stand in solidarity with the global fight for racial equality, for our anti-racism journey is still ongoing and evolving. Changing hearts and minds takes tremendous courage and we applaud you for doing the difficult work even after your 9-5.
In the spirit of true design thinking, we will continue to hold space for our Black colleagues and other under-represented groups. We know that change comes from within and we vow to lead by example. Not only will we keep reflecting and challenging old beliefs so that we can be better, but per new company culture policies, foster a safe, nurturing environment to support our colleagues of color.
We often tell ourselves, with great confidence, the hypothetical roles we’d have if we lived through certain historical events. This is our moment: we are currently living through a global pandemic and civil rights movement. Ask yourself if you’re on the right side of history and if you are neutral in situations of extreme injustice, thus siding with the oppressor?
It’s been nineteen weeks since George Floyd’s murder, but even more weeks since countless other Black lives have been taken by police violence. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. said it best: “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
The Inclusive Design Guild is proud to say we’re on the right side of history, that we unequivocally stand against institutional racism and the harm it does to everyone. We must empower ourselves to stand up for justice. Dr. MLK Jr. was murdered before seeing freedom ring, but we will champion to see his dream come alive—because we aren’t free until we are all free.
Our communities—as well as the communities of our customers—depend on our strength and support.
In solidarity,
The Inclusive Design Guild
