The killing of George Floyd is another tragic moment in the long and painful history of racism in America. We feel the anger that arises from this assault on human decency. We hear the cries for action.
Protests for racial justice in the United States go to the heart of the mission of Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. The Council stands in solidarity with the millions of citizens who are raising their voices demanding change.
Carnegie Council's motto is Ethics Matter. We believe Black Lives Matter.
Ethics requires speaking truth to power. It also empowers us to imagine a better future.
At this critical moment, Carnegie Council reaffirms in the strongest terms the values of peace, justice, and the equal regard for every human being. We embrace our responsibility to elevate our response to the legacies of bigotry, suppression, and inequality.
Andrew Carnegie established our organization to abolish war forever. From the League of Nations to the United Nations we have stood with those promoting peace. From the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to movements supporting global justice we have stood with those fighting oppression.
As we stand on the shoulders of the peacemakers, we embrace the changemakers.
Carnegie Council will do all in its power to fight against racism and structural inequality. In the coming days and weeks, we will connect our constituents to organizations doing important and needed work on these issues.
We will share historical resources, and initiate dialogues and conversations, public and private, with leaders in black and brown communities to continue our education and to amplify their voices.
Ethics Matter. As history unfolds in these difficult days, we challenge ourselves to write the next chapter with renewed creativity and urgency. The cry across this country for justice has re-awakened the nation, and returning to "normal" will not do. Now is the time for action to fulfill America's promise of justice for all.
Joel H. Rosenthal
President, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs
Stephen D. Hibbard
Chairman, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs
