June 1, 2020
Ms. Foundation Issues Statement on Deaths Of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and Protests Across the Country
Ms. Foundation Issues Statement on Deaths Of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor,
Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and Protests Across the Country
NEW YORK (June 1, 2020) – Ms. Foundation for Women President and CEO Teresa C. Younger released the following statement in response to the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Ahmaud Arbery and in support of the protests across the country:
“There aren’t words to express the depths of rage, sadness, or horror felt in response to the litany of violence against Black lives. The deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Tony McDade, and Ahmaud Arbery — a list of names that is long and ever-growing — have catapulted the nation into yet another reckoning.
“As a Black woman and the President and CEO of an organization led by Black and brown women, my heart is heavy. I could not be more resolute in the mission of the Ms. Foundation for Women to support the leadership of women and girls of color or clearer about the mandate for my leadership of this organization.
“Women of color are suffering, fighting, and organizing on the frontlines. They deserve our continued support. Everyday, these women struggle to speak their truth and hold their vision for a future. A future where we are all free to dream, aspire, and thrive. A future where we can just simply walk down the street without the fear of being killed.
“To those charged with the leadership of our police forces, our courts, and all systems established to provide safety and justice, we will hold you accountable to the people you are charged to serve and protect. These protests are greater than police violence. These demonstrations are a civil demand for systemic change of seismic proportions; a change that requires complex, integrated, and multi-pronged solutions.
“The Ms. Foundation for Women is here to build collective power. Our purpose is to stand with, support, listen to, and ultimately follow the leadership of women and girls of color. We are committed to the fight for Black women’s visions for themselves, their communities, and our society. We resolve to stand alongside those who are calling out injustice and for equity.”
Ms. Foundation spokespeople are available for interviews by phone or video from NYC. To schedule, please contact Sunshine Sachs at [email protected].
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For 45 years, the Ms. Foundation for Women has worked to build women’s collective power in the U.S. to advance equity and justice for all. The Ms. Foundation invests in, and strengthens the capacity of women led movements to advance meaningful social, cultural, and economic change in the lives of women. With equity and inclusion as the cornerstones of true democracy, the Ms. Foundation works to create a world in which the worth and dignity of every person are valued, and power and possibility are not limited by gender, race, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or age.