Love. Pain. Solidarity. Fear. Togetherness. Frustration. Disappointment. Anger. Betrayal. Trust. Despondency. Hope. Action.

When the Give Lively team met on the morning of Monday, June 1, 2020, to discuss the tragedy of racial and social injustice in our nation, these were the words we spoke and the scope of our emotions.

But one thing was appallingly clear: George Floyd’s inexcusable death was a spark that has lit a fire. And the words “I can’t breathe,” ignored by the Minneapolis police officers, have deep meaning to thousands upon thousands of Black and brown people, and their allies.

Also clear was this: There is no room for excuses or equivocations. No place for silence or inaction. And no tolerance for misapplied criticism, for there is no "right way” to protest against racism, especially after decades of systemic injustice and indifference.

At Give Lively, we believe that #BlackLivesMatter and we support the ongoing struggles in cities and towns across America to seek positive change and redress deep imbalances through peaceful and non-violent protest. Now, we the people, who have a legitimate claim to great and righteous societal power – our voices and our votes – must not be afraid to use it.

If you wish to support causes on the front lines of this fight, please support the organizations doing this important work.

We know this is just an opening to a continued conversation – within our organization, our networks, our cities, our country.

We look forward to having this conversation with you as we journey on this path ourselves, and as we encourage others to do the same, always in pursuit of the diversity that enriches our country.

In solidarity,
The Give Lively Team

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Additional resources

Learn about Give Lively's progressive values.

Learn about Give Lively's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Read about nonprofits working in support of Black and brown communities:

• Five nonprofits in honor of Black History Month
• Four nonprofits in honor of Juneteenth‍