To Our Beloved Community:

We find it difficult to once again write and share the feelings that we at Village Community Resource Center (VCRC)
have regarding the damaging effects that hatred and violence have on what should be a nation that is made up
of so much beauty in diversity. We honor and support one another, recognizing our connections as people of color.
The recent murders of our Asian kin in Georgia, is an ever-present reminder that no one is safe from hatred. This is
one of many examples of anti-Asian racism that is on the rise that should be alarming to all of us. We cannot allow
hatred for our fellow neighbors to divide us. We cannot allow politics to steer our humanity. From the brutal
murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, to the horror of children locked up in cages at the border, to the
vicious and targeted attacks on our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community; we recognize and
denounce the growing racism in our land. And we ask you to join us in responding. But what should this response
look like? We believe that Dr. Martin Luther King said it best, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can
do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

We call on our community to pour out love on those that are hurting.

We call on our community to reflect empathetically on those
that experience anxiety and fear for their safety and the safety
of their children because of their color or racial grouping.

We call on our local leadership to speak out against violence
and hate and to stand up for the
community they serve.

The measurement of a community’s commitment
to compassionate care, equity, and social
justice is in how they respond when their neighbors
are in need. We at VCRC stand in solidarity with our severely
traumatized Asian kin; embrace the diversity of faith, gender,
and race that makes our city, state, and country.

Please stand with us in building others up, extending
compassion to our brothers and sisters who are
hurting, and celebrating the beauty and gifts only found
in our diversity and inclusivity. Let us be a light amidst
darkness and a symbol of love against hatred as Dr. King
implored us.

In solidarity,

The VCRC Team