{"id":2775,"date":"2020-06-04T09:25:03","date_gmt":"2020-06-04T13:25:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/uuphost.org\/buffalo\/?p=2775"},"modified":"2020-06-12T08:54:02","modified_gmt":"2020-06-12T12:54:02","slug":"uup-fighting-racial-injustice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/uuphost.org\/buffalo\/2020\/06\/04\/uup-fighting-racial-injustice\/","title":{"rendered":"UUP – Fighting Racial Injustice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Dear Colleagues,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a painful time for our country again as we grapple with the virulent and continuing threat of racism, as well as the violence that often mars legitimate mass public protest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please see the following from our Statewide UUP President, Mr. Fred Kowal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In solidarity,
Ken Kern
Chapter President
UUP Buffalo Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Letter from Statewide UUP President, Mr. Fred Kowal:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Colleagues,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As educators, health care professionals, and unionists, we cannot be silent about the continued injustices against people of color in our country. We must condemn racist violence, like the violence that led to the death of George Floyd. We mourn for his family, for the pain of their loss and the way he was stolen from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We stand with our students, patients and members affected by these injustices, and with peaceful protesters across the country demanding justice. They also call for change, targeting racist institutions that do not reflect the ideals of a society that claims to believe in equality and justice for all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UUP has a long history of commitment to social justice, and we stand steadfast in that commitment. Last week, I issued a statement condemning the racist violence that led to George Floyd’s death. You can read it here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On June 20, UUP will join the digital Mass Poor People\u2019s Assembly & Moral March on Washington, the largest digital gathering of poor, dispossessed and impacted people, faith leaders, and people of conscience. You can RSVP and find more information<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Poor People\u2019s Campaign, the march’s organizer, has created a digital toolkit<\/a> with sample posts, graphics and more ways to amplify the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers, has joined the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and hundreds of other organizations in sending a letter to Congress demanding it create a federal standard for when police officers can use force, to prohibit racial profiling, and to end a program that provides surplus military supplies to local law enforcement, including school police. Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UUP encourages our members to be part of the solution as we move forward together. There are many ways to stand in solidarity; a list of events and solidarity actions are below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 4: TheNew York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus will hold 3 p.m. press conferences<\/strong> in Albany, Bronx, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Long Island, Manhattan, Queens, Rochester, Staten Island and Syracuse in support of New York state police reform. Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 4:<\/strong> The Poor People\u2019s Campaign will host a Moral Fusion Student Fellows Digital Town Hall at 9 p.m.<\/strong>via Facebook Live. Students and recent graduates will talk about the impact of campus closures, police violence, the economic crisis and COVID-19; they will also discuss the importance of organizing and mobilizing for the Mass Poor People\u2019s Assembly & Moral March on Washington June 20.<\/strong> Join on Faacebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 6: CNY Black Lives Matter March, noon at Durkee Park – The Village Green in Homer. <\/strong>The march is being held to fight for equality for all. Please wear black. Signs are welcome and encouraged. Masks are required. Absolutely no violence will be tolerated. Follow @cny_blacklivesmatter<\/a> on Instagram for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 8:<\/strong>NYSUT Virtual Vigil<\/strong>. More details coming soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 20: <\/strong>UUP will join the digital Mass Poor People\u2019s Assembly & Moral March on Washington<\/strong><\/a>. The event starts at 10 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Masks should always be worn in public and social distancing should be practiced when possible. Members should consider their own health and only attend events if they are comfortable doing so.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solidarity actions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n