Update: MCA staff is taking time to learn more about our place in the important work toward equality. To this end we are reading "Farming While Black" and sharing some insights. See those posts here.
The pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of large scale industrial systems, their lack of resiliency and their susceptibility to serious disruption in a specific point in the food production, processing and delivery chain with far reaching negative effects. A system of smaller scale, local and accessible growers, processors and related businesses can step up to the plate and be more responsive and resilient, keeping people safer and less vulnerable to industrial scale disruptions, while providing needed food and community building. Resources for farmers and consumers here.
Also laid bare this past week, again and again and again, is the deep wound of systemic inequality across our country as witnessed by the brutal violence and often ignored mistreatment of people of color every single day. We are reminded that Dr. King warned against the "appalling silence of the good people.” It is our hope that all will listen, then use our collective voices and positive actions to uplift others.
We can be part of badly needed change.
Also laid bare this past week, again and again and again, is the deep wound of systemic inequality across our country as witnessed by the brutal violence and often ignored mistreatment of people of color every single day. We are reminded that Dr. King warned against the "appalling silence of the good people.” It is our hope that all will listen, then use our collective voices and positive actions to uplift others.
We can be part of badly needed change.
We've compiled a number of resources for folks to help both understand what is going on and think about what can be done in this moment to make a difference. If you have a resource to share you think belongs here let us know - [email protected].
Why is this happening?
Op-Ed from Kareem Abdul Jabarr "Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge."
A heartfelt explanation from Trevor Noah of the Daily Show (who grew up under Apartheid)
For those who don't yet feel comfortable with "Black Lives Matter", 9 explanations on why "All Lives Matter" is not a helpful thing to say
Now What?
Why is this happening?
Op-Ed from Kareem Abdul Jabarr "Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge."
A heartfelt explanation from Trevor Noah of the Daily Show (who grew up under Apartheid)
For those who don't yet feel comfortable with "Black Lives Matter", 9 explanations on why "All Lives Matter" is not a helpful thing to say
Now What?
"Actually we're just getting started." New Yorker Daily Cartoon June 4 2020. By Victor Varnado
Becoming an ally means more than being "not racist," the brutality we are witnessing and the change needed to change entrenched systems calls us to be "anti-racist" and we are sharing here a document of resources to help.
Once you've educated yourself, you can educate others. It can be difficult to take a stand to challenge a family member or co-worker's racist "jokes" or gently question a friend's insensitive Halloween costume but this is how systems change. Teaching Tolerance has resources for how to handle these interactions.
Once you've educated yourself, you can educate others. It can be difficult to take a stand to challenge a family member or co-worker's racist "jokes" or gently question a friend's insensitive Halloween costume but this is how systems change. Teaching Tolerance has resources for how to handle these interactions.
For our part at this time, MCA is stepping back to let the voices of others come to fore, but we will continue to advance a strong healthy local food system, clean air and clean water for ALL our regions residents. We are dedicated to working together to promote real systemic change that will achieve equity.
