As we work to process the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others, we want you to know that Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County stands with you.
Racial inequities and discrimination are the greatest threats to liberty for all humanity. These injustices go against the very core of who we are and what we believe as an organization founded on Christian principles. Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County wholeheartedly rejects racism, bigotry, and hate as it declares black lives do indeed matter and should matter to us all.
In the ten days since George Floyd was fatally held to the ground by a police officer’s knee, communities small and large across the United States have been devastated by sadness, anger and uncertainty. These protests have demonstrated that there is a necessity to acknowledge the painful truths that are rocking our nation. They’re about countless black lives being taken without due process. They’re about the fear that black men and women have to face every time they leave their homes. They’re about the lack of access afforded to people of color. They’re about the black individuals not being seen unless they’re in handcuffs or in a negative light. They’re about decades and centuries of individual and systemic racism that precede and infuse the founding and life of our nation.
We know, too, that so many of the Habitat family — our staff members, volunteers, donors and perhaps most of all the people we serve — are impacted by these protests and the injustices they call attention to. And that as Americans, we are all called to face the difficult questions raised to the forefront by this national conversation. Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will help be part of the answer.
The way we approach our work at Habitat for Humanity has been a vehicle for reconciliation and has broken down barriers between people. We work alongside those willing to partner with us, no matter their background or walk of life, and that will always be true.
In recent days, we have found ourselves again and again returning to the certainty of Habitat for Humanity’s mission and vision and the faith principles on which we are founded. Our hope is that, by revisiting these pillars of strength together, we may find a collective energy and clarity for today and the days to come. But we also must act. We must speak out against injustice, actively listen to those who have been unheard, and demand better of ourselves and of our leaders. We must pray. We believe we can overcome this challenge together as a united people to bring forth equity, liberty and justice.
We stand together.
The Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County Board of Directors
