The future is ours to create.

Dear Friends,

It’s difficult to know where to begin as I write this email. 2020 has thrown challenge after challenge at our nation. Covid-19 has taken more than 100,000 American lives, disproportionately affecting people from low-income backgrounds and people of color. Families are struggling as unemployment soars and the economy takes a major hit. Police brutality and racial injustice continue, leaving the country reeling from the pain of losing our own neighbor or friend, time and time again. The murder of George Floyd was a tragedy created by the systemic racism ingrained in our society. Every single one of us must be involved in reforming this system. We must do better. So much better.

As I look around me and observe how folks are channeling anger, sadness, and fear into action, I am in awe. Millions of Americans have joined in peaceful protests across the nation, calling for reform to policing and law enforcement. Many have raised funds for organizations such as the Detroit Justice Center or the National Lawyers Guild. Others are serving the community, as they gather supplies for families facing food insecurity. So many people are taking action. The momentum is growing and I am hopeful.

When I attended a protest at Kellogg Park in Plymouth this week, I was inspired to see the diversity of the crowd. Some brought their children to be a part of making history. Many carried signs with powerful quotes or reminders. And we all supported one another, remembering that we are always stronger together.

While this movement may feel new to some folks, our Black friends and neighbors have been fighting this battle for far too long. With not nearly enough allies. Inequitable school funding and housing discrimination sustain cycles of poverty. A broken healthcare system and police brutality perpetuate intergenerational trauma. Yet, Black people across this nation continue to give more and more to our country. Look at any major city in the United States and you’ll have Black folks to thank for so much of the culture, music, food, history, and progress. Right here in metro-Detroit, we know this to be the case.

So, what can we do? How do we support the #BlackLivesMatter movement? What is our responsibility?

Firstly, we must educate ourselves on the history of this country and examine the prejudice in our own mindsets. We must unlearn racism and bigotry and push back against a system that continues to kill people based on their skin color.

Secondly, we must elevate Black voices. Let’s utilize our platforms to ensure that wider audiences hear Black stories. We must listen to those most directly affected by the flawed system. Only then can we understand what change we truly need.

Thirdly, we must take real action. For me, this means running for office and serving as an advocate in the government. This means talking to my children about race while they are young, ensuring that they grow up with love in their hearts and a deep understanding of how this country must continue to improve. This means continuing to read, listen, and learn. This means engaging in difficult conversations, pushing myself and those around me to be our best selves. This means shifting the power so that our elected officials are people who understand the problems we face. Our lawmakers have a huge challenge ahead. This year, we will vote in some of the most important elections of our lifetimes. We need to make it count.

Let’s join together and make this a chapter in our history that we can look back on proudly, knowing we did the right thing, even when it was the hardest thing to do. The future is ours to create. Let’s not waste this opportunity.

In solidarity,

Ranjeev