Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority
LRWRA stands in solidarity with those fighting for social justice and equality. We encourage all who are out fighting for progress to wear a face covering for each other's health and safety.
NACWA is devoting this issue of the Current to an expression of our solidarity with those seeking to end racism and all its forms of injustice in our country and who are demanding a move beyond the deep divisions that have far too often led to hatred, brutal violence and the unnecessary death of Black Americans.
Though NACWA does not in its normal course of business address such social issues, we feel an overwhelming sadness as a result of the ongoing turmoil in our country and the need to condemn the violence against Black Americans that have led us to this point. We want to express our unwavering support and solidarity too with members, staff and colleagues who have faced instances of discrimination and inequality.
NACWA stands united with those who yearn to be heard and valued — isn't this the ultimate and fundamental purpose of any association? As the country continues to find ways to move forward, we encourage you to share your ideas for how NACWA can improve itself in ways that can advance these aspirations and be part of a more permanent solution.
We recognize the limits of emails such as this; they are, frankly, easy to deliver and we recognize that the times we are living in require and demand much more.
Thank you for all you do and for considering this expression of solidarity during these harrowing times.
– NACWA's Board of Directors and Staff
To our community,
Just Communities of Arkansas mourns the brutal and merciless murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the most recent of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. While the tragic killing connects us to all the Black people who have been murdered since this country was founded, including Bradley Berkshire, Eric Garner, Philando Castile, Shatina Grady, Aiyana Jones, Michael Brown, and Trayvon Martin, it has happened so often across America that it leaves our stomachs turning in knots removing the myth that we are living in a post-racial society.
We are haunted by this ugly reality. We will not accept this ugly reality; we are determined to fight, to transform, this ugly reality. We know that nothing will be enough until Black people in our country can go to school in safety, walk the streets in safety, play in parks in safety, birdwatch in safety, shop in safety, go to restaurants in safety, pray in safety, and do all of the other things White people in our society can do every day without the fear that our lives and/or our freedom will be taken from us. We must amplify individual voices and prepare for a deep level of listening to people's lived experiences during this time.
There are so many places to start in this work, and the pervasiveness of the issues means that there is plenty yet to do. Ignoring or minimizing the problems won't help to solve them. Instead, this is yet another moment that compels us to take significant personal and collective responsibility to address the scourge of racism in America. We look forward to serving and supporting every member of our communities' efforts in ending systemic racism and co-creating an Arkansas where everyone's life is valued, where everyone feels they belong and where everyone has equal opportunity to be their whole and best self.
In solidarity,
Donald Wood, Executive Director
Just Communities of Arkansas
LOCAL RESOURCES FOR PROTESTORS
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To learn more, visit: www.arkansasjustcommunities.org
Greg Ramon, CEO of LRWRA, is a board member of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and Just Communities of Arkansas.