Black Lives Matter.
It has taken some time to gather our thoughts here at The Researcher’s Gateway and figure out what, exactly, we want to say, and how best to say it. How DO you respond to the horrific death of George Floyd and so many others and make it matter, make it help?
My Gran always told me, when speaking up about the atrocities other people face, “..do it from the heart and then if you can’t do anything else, ask them and listen. Then, if you have more to say, you’ll do it educated, having learned something.” I can promise you that we’re not going to get it 100% right, but I am certainly going to try. .
The Researcher’s Gateway believe Black Lives Matter
We do want to state here and now, unequivocally, that we here at The Researcher’s Gateway as individuals and as a company believe Black Lives Matter. We believe that who you are is what should determine how you are seen, NOT the color of your skin. Unfortunately, we know that racism continues to be a serious problem, both individual and systemic. People of color are disproportionately dying, not just from police brutality, but from contaminated environments and lack of access to health care, education, and quality jobs.
This is not acceptable, and we can do better. At Researcher’s Gateway,we embrace people of all walks of life as part of the Human Race. As women, we have fought for our own rights, sometimes daily, and, right now, we fight alongside our Black brothers and sisters and raise our voices with them: Black Lives Matter.
As is evident across the world, the event of George Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has created state-wide (and world-wide) outrage. His death is one of far too many, and something that has been happening for far too long. As cultural anthropologists and researchers, systemic racism is something that we encounter constantly in our study of cultures and societies.
For over 25 years, RoseAnna and I have taught about cultures all over the globe.
More specifically, we have attempted to bring to our students all aspects of a culture– the good and the bad. We have refused in our careers to ignore the racism in this country or how it grew from slavery. And, by mere accident of time (our company went live in December 2018), our most popular Special Feature series has been Black History Month. It was the first large series that we did, and has become a huge part of what we do here. The need for information about the incredible accomplishments of Black Americans was great. It still is and will continue to research and teach so that others understand these amazing people and their acoomplishments.
We can do more, however. We need to do more. Black Lives Matter.
So, we have changed our special feature to Black History. It will be a continued feature throughout the year. We will bring to you more about the amazing Black Americans who have worked to change the world for the better, often encountering crippling restrictions. We are going to showcase the Civil Rights Movement, starting with the early days of Reconstruction (post-Civil War) and moving it forward to modern day. This is going to take time, but we will continue forward. Much of our work is used for teaching pre-college students and our drive to bring uncensored secular historical education has not changed.
It is time for the people of the United States to face down this cultural bias, this systemic racism that infects our country even more so than the pandemic that is tearing through it now. In fact, it is beyond time that we acknowledge the race issues in the United States and across the planet. It is time, and we will do our part.
To eradicate racism in the United States we have to watch, listen and learn.
We leave you with this– Listen and learn. The only way to beat racism in this country is for everyone to start listening to Black Americans and hear their stories. Learn what they go through every day. Try to comprehend it, even if you don’t understand it. Stop trying to defend yourself because you don’t think this is about you. This is about all of us. To stop it, it will take all of us. If you are not a person of color, then be an ally. Stop. Listen. Learn.
Black Lives Matter.
Galen & RoseAnna
The Researcher’s Gateway
To find resources as a Black American, find ways that you as an ally can help, and more, check out the Black Lives Matter website.
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