Our Statement on Wednesday's Domestic Terrorism at the U.S. Capitol
Dated 1.8.2021
Dear Friends of TNDC,
In the aftermath of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, we add our voice to naming Wednesday for what it was: domestic terrorism built upon and fueled by white supremacy culture in our country.
As a community, we witnessed White people violently contesting the results of Black and Brown voices’ being heard in a democratic election, only to be met with minimal resistance from law enforcement. This is in stark contrast to the violent responses against movements for racial and social equity led by Black, Asian, and LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, women, and people with disabilities.
This contrast, this moment is painful and powerful.
Only by acknowledging the violence of the white power we saw this week and reckoning with our country’s roots in white supremacy can we build a world where racial equity is realized. From an economy built upon enslavement to legally underinvesting in communities of color through redlining to modern-day voter suppression, this is who we are. However, it’s not who we have to be.
We also saw another type of power this week: the power of the people, of Black and Brown communities’ organizing for the election and coming together to make sure everyone’s voice is heard, valued, and encouraged. We believe in that power. It's power built on the belief that everyone, regardless of race or income, should have a say in the policies affecting them and their communities. This is the type of power that we work to build in the Tenderloin and beyond.
As we continue TNDC’s commitment to centering racial equity in our work in Homes, Health, and Voice, and becoming an anti-racist organization, we are energized and motivated by the voices of our community. Knowing you’re alongside us, we move forward, building a future we both believe in.
In community,
Don Falk (he/him),
CEO
If you’re looking for more racial justice resources and activism we encourage you to follow Color of Change and Race Forward.
