Black Lives Need to Matter In America

An Open Letter to the Black Community and Our Allies,

In a time of turmoil, anguish, heightened post-traumatic stress, and fear we have heard your

cries for help and demands for justice. We mourn with you during this time and extend our

deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones to this senseless and inhumane violence. We urge everyone to take time to remember the lives of the people who died at the hands of the most disgusting and vile evil known as racism. Keep their names and their legacies in the front of your minds because justice for them is what we are fighting for. We are fighting for equality, a safe and just world for African American youth. We are fighting to liberate a resilient community that has suffered egregious oppression for over 400 years.

For those who are actively risking their lives and safety to fight injustice, we stand with

you and commend your bravery. In the eloquent words of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that “riots are the language of the unheard”. This statement is still prevalent in today's socio-political climate because thousands of people across the country have gathered to honor the life of George Floyd, who was unjustifiably killed by an officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25th, 2020. For those who are at home pondering as to how they can help themselves or those who are affected by this social cancer, remember to educate yourselves and others about the history of degradation of black and brown bodies in America. To those who are on the front lines protesting for justice, please remember that self-care is a form of warfare, especially during a time such as this. We strongly urge that everyone check on their loved ones especially the elderly and those who are protesting. Also, please remember that we are still in the midst of a pandemic that has also claimed the lives of so many in our community, and therefore we must remain vigilant and extremely safe.

Normally at this time, The Scholar Network would be hosting our Virtual Storytime

Program. Our organization was founded in response to a problem that is affecting the lives of millions. It would be remiss of us as members of the targeted community who are deeply

concerned about the welfare of our people to go live today and not address or acknowledge the issues that are now plaguing African Americans. We are committed to being a part of this movement by educating African American youth about the importance of their lives and the lessons that lie in history that must be taught to create effective progress. Please closely monitor our website www.thescholarnetwork.com and social media to monitor our updates regarding this commitment. To donate to the George Floyd Memorial Fund please visit this link.

In Solidarity,

Anthony Dohman and Brittany Stewart - The Scholar Network Co-Founders