We are hurting right now. During a time of a historic pandemic that has resulted in death, unemployment and suffering, which disproportionately effects African-Americans, there is even more trauma.
The senseless murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others highlight the injustices that were present before COVID, persist during lockdown, and will continue to plague our nation even after a vaccine is developed. Collectively as a community, we are watching the response to pain as many rise up against the oppression that has existed against African-American people for the entire history of our country.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County recognizes our role in addressing systemic racism by tackling disproportionality and disparity in our child welfare system. This has always been and will continue to be integral to our mission. We continue to stand in unequivocal opposition to racism, bias and prejudice in all forms.
Today, we pause to check in with our CASA community and recognize that we are hurt, tired and grieving. Please know that we at CASA are here to support you. We want our community to be one of support to each other during these difficult times. Please reach out to us for support, or even just to talk and grieve together.
The unprecedented national crisis can feel overwhelming and lonely, particularly when coupled with this moment of reckoning with the ever-present inequalities in our society. But you are not alone.
CASA stands with you.