We at Florida Conservation Voters and FCV Education Fund are appalled by the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Tony McDade, and countless other Black lives. The racial violence and protests over the last few weeks have shined a spotlight on the structural racism and white supremacy that we as a society have failed to address for too long.
We stand in solidarity with the individuals and organizations led by people of color who work tirelessly–and too often without support from white-dominated institutions and organizations–to build a more just, equitable society. With them, we demand justice and accountability of those who perpetuate racial violence under the badge or protection of the law.
Black people in our country fear for their families’ health, safety, and lives every single day because of structural racism. Adding to this injustice, destruction of the environment and pollution, the climate crisis, and the current health pandemic are all disproportionately harming people of color and lower-income families.
We envision a world with clean air to breathe and clean water to drink, parks, and other public outdoor recreation lands, and a sustainable climate–all protected by a just and equitable democracy. We believe that we are all only as safe as those members of our community who are most at risk. As an organization that works to elect conservation leaders and engage people in our democracy to protect our environment and healthy communities for everyone, we have a responsibility to advocate alongside those who are harmed by racist structures and systems.
We commit to educating our board, staff, families, and loved ones on the historical and ongoing racism that pervades our society. We commit to understanding and unlearning white supremacy practices that perpetuate systems of racism. We commit to supporting elected leaders who are willing to address these issues, and to oppose those who are not. We hope you will join us in this mission.
In addition to these resources for learning more, we encourage you to support the following organizations that work tirelessly for justice in Florida every single day:
Catalyst Miami
Dream Defenders
Florida Immigrant Coalition
Freedom For Florida
NAACP Florida State Conference
New Florida Majority
Organize Florida