2020-2021
RACIAL JUSTICE STATEMENTS
JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHAMPAIGN-URBANA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM
June 6, 2020
This past week, we faced yet another horrific reminder of the racial injustices and violence that exist in our nation. George Floyd’s wrongful killing in police custody has evoked a range of emotions within our League: anger, sadness, fear, and a need to create change around us and within ourselves.
For our Black community members and all people of color, we see you, we hear you and we’re with you. At the core of our mission, JLCU is committed to fostering and supporting inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities and we pledge to continue our conversation, education, and actions to address racial and social injustices within our communities.
As a League, we will not stay silent nor stay on the sidelines of this conversation. JLCU is committed to establishing a plan detailing how we will do our part to address racial injustices. This will include actions such as training our members, supporting anti-racist organizations in our community, and advocating for policy changes that align with our mission. We hope our resources can be used by everyone to further the conversation and knowledge of racial injustice.
THE ASSOCIATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUES INTERNATIONAL STATEMENT:
The Association of Junior Leagues International condemns discrimination, racism, and racial injustice in our communities and in our Junior Leagues. Black women and other women of color have been systemically denied equity and inclusion in our economy, education, civic privileges, and responsibilities in the voluntary sector, including in The Junior League. As affirmed by our member Junior Leagues, we are accelerating our efforts to take action and advance definitive, measurable policies and practices that eliminate racism in our countries, our communities, and our Junior Leagues. When we do this, we unlock tremendous power for our communities and realize our vision of women around the world as catalysts for lasting change.