Dear Groundswell friends, farmers and eaters,
In lieu of a standard “From the Director,” I ask that you hold this space with me as the smallest of efforts to honor all the lives impacted by the brutally tragic attack at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida this week. Forty-nine people were murdered in the targeted shooting, and the majority of these victims were members of the LGBTQ + and Latino communities.
I send my deepest condolences to the families and friends impacted by the attack and I stand in solidarity with you. Even though I am not directly affected by this tragedy because I did not know the victims, the extreme nature of hate crimes and targeted violence against groups of people is deeply painful and intolerable to continue to witness.
Though I feel helpless when political voices verbally retaliate violence with more words of hate and blame, I remain committed to doing the best I know how to in order to contribute to a just, equitable and loving community.
In Peace,
Elizabeth Gabriel, Director
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