On May 25, 2020, the people of this country witnessed the murder of George Floyd. While handcuffed and restrained by two white police officers, a third white officer pressed his knee into his neck, eventually causing asphyxiation and death. “I can’t breathe” George Floyd repeated over and over while the white police officer unrelentingly increased the pressure.

This black man, offering little resistance, was de-humanized to the point of death at the hands of these officers. We have seen this injustice far too many times and people around the world are rising up demanding justice. 

Western Colorado Alliance’s mission is to work for healthy, just, and self-reliant communities for everyone. We stand as an ally and rise in solidarity with communities of color and all people facing oppression based on the color of their skin. Racist violence is a clear violation of our mission, our vision, and our values. We are saddened, appalled, and angry at the death of George Floyd, the systemic racism that pervades our police departments and institutions, and the history of violence and oppression that communities of color have endured for centuries.

Western Colorado Alliance stands with all oppressed people and will truly listen, hold back our opinions, and sense the discomfort that arises as systems are challenged and those in power are held accountable. We will work with our allies to demand structural change.

As an organization, Western Colorado Alliance is composed largely of white members, and whether we recognize it or not white privilege plays into our responses.  We all have an opinion about racism in America, but whom should we be listening to? If we only listen to one another, we view racism through a certain lens, most likely to the exclusion of those who live it on a daily basis.

Oppression has deep roots in our country and our region. From the beginning, we have faced powerful opponents who seek to divide us. We know that we are more powerful when we stand together and that wherever we find it, to achieve our vision, we must dismantle systemic racism. The road ahead is long and difficult, but we will walk it.

Sincerely,

Steve Allerton
Board President