We stand with the Black community in rejection of the systemic racism responsible for the terrible death of George Floyd and so very many other Black people. 

A statement of support on a website is not enough.  

Only with the full engagement of people of every class and skin color can we end systemic racism.

If we are to create a country where everyone shares equally in the protections, opportunities and rewards of our society, we must educate ourselves and put ourselves on the front lines of this struggle.

We do not offer this invitation from a position of superiority or greater enlightenment. Our own lack of understanding and limited awareness has humbled us. We are only beginning this journey and learning as we go.

Racism is complex. Just the word itself triggers strong emotions and associations. And we’re learning that many of the issues associated with racism are in fact part of a larger, even more entrenched problem: classism. To that end, we recommend the book Caste.

And while science indisputably tells us that “race” isn’t real, discrimination on the basis of skin color — racism — clearly is. In recognition of the need to address racism, we are joining with others to create a space where we can talk authentically and respectfully with people of other races, ethnicities and beliefs. We invite you to join this conversation at Everybody As Our Own.

None of us can live and breathe free from fear and oppression until we all can. None of our loves ones are safe until everyone’s loved ones are safe.

We hope you will learn with us, and join the fight to forever end this scourge.

— Eric Hanford Miller & Kathy Pepper Miller