Black Lives Matter 2021

Dear HarvardWIT+ community,

As we watched and waited for the verdict to come in for a murder that was replayed over and over again on news outlets, Ohio police fatally shot a Black teenage girl who called 911 for help. The conviction of an obvious murderer is considered historic, but make no mistake, it is only because Darnella Frazier, a Black teenage girl, had the presence of mind to record George Floyd’s murder that there was a conviction.

George Floyd, Ma’Khia Bryant, Daunte Wright, and others who have died at the hands of police in the past few weeks alone, should still be here with us today. This is not justice, though we recognize it is a step towards individual accountability, thanks to the organizers on the ground who have been fighting for justice.

Take care of yourselves, extend grace to each other and take the time you need for yourselves. Managers, take care of your employees, especially your Black employees who are hurting right now.

This doesn’t stop until we make it stop. Stay engaged, stay motivated and help us fight to end systems of oppression.

In Solidarity,
Your HarvardWIT+ Chairs: Donna, Deirdre, and Anisha