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SHA offices will close at noon for June 12 Day of Action

SHA offices will close at noon for June 12 Day of Action

Dear SHA Partners and Community Members,

Over the past two weeks, we have seen an upwelling of anger and frustration, triggered by the killing of George Floyd, but with roots much deeper. The protests have elevated the pains of racism and shone a light on systemic injustice that is a constant companion of black people and people of color. Millions of people are taking to the streets every day in cities and towns across America to protest the murder of George Floyd. Many carry signs that say “Enough is enough.” Enough years of police brutality against people of color. Enough decades of systemic racism. Enough centuries of oppression. People want change. They want social justice, equity and an end to the racism that dehumanizes us all.

These are values deeply entrenched at the Seattle Housing Authority. Our mission and our work are to improve and elevate the lives of those with low incomes, and to build healthy and healing communities. We seek to provide safe and decent homes, basic services, respect and opportunity, regardless of race, ethnicity, country of origin, gender identity, physical ability and any other aspects of who we are as people. Our values extend not only to those we serve, but also to respecting and empowering our diverse workforce, and everyone engaged with us in a partnership and in community.

This Friday, June 12, we will act on those values by closing our agency at noon so that we can all participate in a Black Lives Matter statewide Day of Action that includes a general strike and silent march.

If you are interested in joining, gathering for the Seattle march begins at 1 p.m. at Judkins Park. You can find more information at the link above or blacklivesseattle.org. While organizers are planning to help keep social distancing, they ask everyone to wear a face covering, and will provide hand sanitizer and take other health measures. We understand you may be concerned about COVID, and the health and safety of participating in a march. We respect personal decisions in that regard. There are other ways to take action or time for reflection. Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County is encouraging smaller marches in communities throughout the state, and will be updating their website throughout the day Friday with things we can do personally to participate in the Day of Action. Also, here are a few links to resources, and we will publish more on our website at seattlehousing.org in the coming days. Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County, King County Equity Now, 158 Resources for Understanding Systemic Racism in America from the Smithsonian, Healing Resources for BIPOC Organizers and Allies Taking Action for Black Lives from irresistible, and Black Lives Matter Instructional Library for children and youth.

SHA executive leadership and the Board are aligned in wanting to end the silence that holds us all back, and to helping everyone in the SHA community raise their voices. We see the Black Lives Matter march and strike this Friday as an opportunity to enable all of us to participate in the outcry of our nation, and to show that we are not tolerant of brutality and racism.

We are proud of our staff, tenants, partners and community, and together we stand strong. Whether you participate in the march or express your values in a different way, we hope Friday afternoon is meaningful for you in our collective fight for greater justice, equity and access to opportunity, especially for black people and other people of color who have suffered injustice too long.

Sincerely,                                 
Andrew Lofton                           
Executive Director

Paul Purcell                            
Chair, Board of Commissioners