Collectively, we are struggling to understand the world we have been living in, and our role in the experiences of our Black sisters and brothers. We express our solidarity with Black communities across the globe impacted by anti-Black violence. Our hearts remains heavy thinking about George Flloyd, Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others, whose names we do not know. We acknowledge the pain, grief, and anger we are seeing and feeling. The unrest we are witness to is a stark reminder of the injustices and unique burdens black people and people of color carry every day.

We recognize anti-Black violence is part of the foundation for sexual violence and human trafficking. Prisons, police, and militaries are the legacies of the enslavement of black people. We must shift the narrative so that we can all understand this cycle of violence.

The damage COVID-19 and police terror have inflected on our communities are connected – our country does not have a national healthcare system – and make no mistake – healthcare is a basic human right. But we do have one of the largest and most well-funded police departments in the world. This means funding for police and militarization dominates most of our national and local budgets. Since 1973, funding for police has increased every year, while funding for public health has decreased. We must change this.

What do we mean when we say Defund the Police?

It simply means that we must balance our resources and funding to create an equitable future.

I read a curated statement from Patrisse Cullors-Brignac this week that made it easy for me to understand –

“Defund the Police,

Photo Credit: @tendervirgofarts for @apichayasea

So Black children can live long lives.

So that we can support mental health infrastructure

So that we can end the criminalization of the homeless

So that we can support those at the margins

So that we can envision a world where we can have economy of healthcare.

So that we can lead with love.

So that we can stop the militarization of our communities.

So that we can smash the patriarchy.

So that we can be free.

While much progress has been made, our current state has forced us to face some hard truths – racism and inequality are well and alive – even in the South Asian and API communities. To dismantle hate, we must listen to Black people, let them lead. We must work relentlessly to understand their perspectives and experiences. We must look within ourselves.

There are no two sides here – only the side of humanity. Have courage. Have empathy. Speak up.

I am personally committed to being present, listening, and learning – every single day.

Every person deserves to be respected and valued for who they are. We can do this together.

Black Lives Matter. All Lives CANNOT matter until Black Live Matter.

In solidarity and with hope for a better future,

Tarul Kode Tripathi

Racism is a Pandemic