“This nation continues to be ridden by inequality and racial division” - EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO ADRESSES THE COMMUNITY
In light of past events and tensions rising high in the United States, Patrick Charpenel, Executive Director of the New York based Museo del Barrio, sent out a letter to the public.
Familia,
These past few days, we have once again born witness to the byproduct of this country's long-standing history of systemic racism in the form of relentless violence against members of the Black community. From the documented cases of Eric Garner and Sandra Bland to Trayvon Martin and Ahmaud Arbery, and now George Floyd, these deaths have left many of us demoralized, distraught, and angry.
More than fifty years ago, during the formation of El Museo del Barrio, African Americans, with the support of Latinx communities across the United States, were calling for the end of legalized racial discrimination, disenfranchisement and racial segregation in the United States. This moment in history also witnessed the emergence of the Black Power movement and the Young Lords. Despite the seeming gains achieved, this nation continues to be ridden by inequality and racial division.
Today, we encourage everyone to stand for what is right in support of the Black community. Support takes many forms: engage in conversations with family and friends about the Black experience in the US and Afro-Latinx history; support organizations, artists, and activists that are combatting anti-blackness; and encourage policy makers to create sound policies that address not only policing, but also structural racism.
To our Black communities of artists, activists, colleagues, and friends: we see you, and we stand firmly with you.
In solidarity,
Patrick Charpenel
