We are aware of all the atrocities occurring around the world and are standing together with you in solidarity during this fight for freedom, justice, and equality. Each and every one of the ASAC executives feels the pain, frustration, anger and disgust that you, our brothers and sisters, have had to endure. As Africans and members of the diaspora, we have a special duty to support this cause by any means necessary. Beneficial resources include petitions, freedom funds, bail funds and social justice organisations amongst others. We have posted an in-depth list of resources that you can use to contribute to the cause.

 

In saying this, we do not in any way shape or form condone the violence and vandalism that has taken place during recent protests. We believe that these actions take the focus away from the issue at hand and give people who do not support us a reason to justify their actions and beliefs. It is totally counter productive to our mission, and to those who comply with these immoralities, you are hiding behind our cause for your own benefit, and we wholeheartedly condemn your selfish and cowardly actions.

 

To the other People of Colour that have chosen to do the right thing and stand by us, we commend you for choosing to rebuke a system that in many ways also renders you a victim of oppression. To the Non-People of Colour who stand with us, we applaud you for choosing to use your privilege to offer oppressed people a platform to denounce injustice. Benjamin Franklin said that “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”, and nothing could be truer during these times. Change is coming, but we must all do what it takes to contribute to it.

That being said, let us not forget that we are in unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has so dramatically changed the world we live in. Let us not forget that we are all dealing with unprecedented levels of stress. We urge you not to neglect your mental health, given these overwhelming situations. Mental health resources are linked on the official ASAC Facebook page, Instagram page, and website. As those who came before us have done, we must take it upon ourselves to fight for a justice and an equality that is our birthright, but was not and still is not recognized by many people that we share this Earth with.

“We as a People will get to the Promised Land”

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Signed,

The 2020-2021 ASAC Executive Team