We at the Columbia Slough Watershed Council express our solidarity with those who are fighting for justice, and protesting the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and the countless other individuals within the Black community who have been murdered in the streets, in parks, and in their homes by police officers. We grieve their tragic and senseless deaths and we also recognize that this moment of unrest is about the larger systems of structural and institutional racism that perpetuate these inequities and injustices.
We recognize that centuries of racism impact every facet of our society. As an environmental organization working to enhance and protect the Columbia Slough and its watershed, we see that racist land use, housing, economic, and transportation policies and practices have served to disenfranchise Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community members, thereby:
-putting them at a disproportionately higher risk to environmental pollution, natural hazards, and climate change impacts.
-setting up unique barriers to outdoor recreation and the safe enjoyment of natural areas, including differential access and representation.
These are just a few areas where the Council as an organization can do more. Everyone deserves to experience the solace of time in nature and to not be burdened by an unhealthy environment. We believe that the Columbia Slough is for all of us and as an organization, we pledge to help make it a reality.
We recognize that it is not enough to feel like we are not personally racist, and let Black and Brown people do the work of dismantling racism within these systems. We must be anti-racist and commit to a lifetime of education and action. Silence in these matters is a form of complicity.
What does anti-racism look like in practice? As an organization, it means that if we at the Council do not talk about racial justice every time we talk about outdoor access, or advocate for more tree cover or rain gardens, we are part of the problem. If we do not seek out and center non-white voices whenever we deliberate on land use issues, we maintain the status quo. If we do not support the groups and people leading the fight for racial environmental justice, we are failing on our mission.
We have and will make mistakes in this journey but we pledge to listen, learn, and use our privilege to “call-in” our white community members and encourage their own engagement around these issues, in addition to using our own voices and action to stand up for racial justice, now and in the future.
Thanks to the many BIPOC leaders and organizers within our community who are leading the way in this time of change. Below, we have compiled a list of ways for individuals to take action, as well as helpful books, articles, podcasts and more to help along this journey, wherever our starting point may be.
In solidarity,
Cathy P. Kellon
Executive Director
Columbia Slough Watershed Council
Click HERE to be directed to the list of resources.
Columbia Slough Watershed Council is a 501(c)3 organization that relies on grants, in-kind donations, and generous contributions from our community. Your support helps us preserve, protect, and enhance the Columbia Slough and our watershed. Support this important work by making your contribution today.
