Dear United Way community,

The recent events of violence against Black Americans are abhorrent and must not be tolerated. United Way of the Greater Triangle stands with Black Americans in solidarity, heartbreak, and outrage following the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others.

Racism and violence, and those who uphold its principles, are deeply embedded in every facet of American society. No one should have to worry about their own safety but the tragic reality is that, in our country, people of color have had that exact experience for hundreds of years – both inside and outside their own homes. It’s not and it won’t ever be acceptable.

It has to stop. We urge all of you to lean into and examine our power and our privilege as a society and harness it to ensure that all of us, especially the growing numbers of individuals falling through our societal cracks, have what they need to live a life of safety, prosperity, and meaning.

United Way of the Greater Triangle is committed to being an anti-racist organization and has already begun the internal and external work needed to address injustices within our communities. We also recognize that there is so much more work to be done. Those closest to the pain – the individuals, communities and organizations who have been fighting for the lives of the Black community for generations – will lead us.

Working United, we can make our communities the places that we need them to be – equitable, respectful, and opportunity-filled. We, as a society, can and must do better to guarantee that the basic human rights and freedoms of every person, in every community are protected.

To our Black neighbors, colleagues and friends: we see you and we promise to do better by you.

Eric Guckian
President & CEO
United Way of the Greater Triangle