Sent to full membership via email on May 30, 2020
Dear UWHA Members,
We feel compelled to write to you today as we see what has happened in Minneapolis, Tallahassee, Louisville, and Georgia recently, and acknowledge that the history of this country and of medicine is rooted in racism. We each have a responsibility in combating structural racism.
While it may veil itself differently, our city, our workplace, and the labor movement have all perpetuated racism in different forms and we do not talk about it enough. As we mourn the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Ahmaud Arbery, we must each evaluate our own privilege, and confront how this influences the way in which we live and work. It is imperative that we continue educating ourselves and confronting the parts of our system that need to be dismantled.
We send our solidarity to protesters across the country.
As an organization, we also need to show up more, and ensure that every part of our work is done with a racial equity lens. We will continue to use our collective voice to speak out against violence against communities of color. Please do not hesitate to reach out and share with us how we can do better.
In solidarity,
UWHA Board
What you can do today:
Show Up:
- The Defiant Walk of Resistance Against Injustice – Today, May 30 at 3pm at Westlake Center
- Keep Showing Up, not just tomorrow
- If you are a white ally, be willing to put your body on the line
Educational Resources:
- Anti-Racism Reading Program for Incoming Medical Students
- Anti-Racist Giving Workshop Presentation Slides
- Haymarket Books Against Policing & Mass Incarceration
One of the best ways you can help is to financially support Black-led organizing efforts:
Donate to Minnesota-based organizations rooted in anti-racism:
Donate to Local Seattle-based organizations rooted in anti-racism:
Resident & fellow physician union - northwest/CIR/SEIU 