Standing united for the health, safety and just treatment of all

Photo Credit: Recent protests in San Francisco, Thank you to Santiago Mejia for The San Francisco Chronicle

I grew up in a tiny town in rural West Texas where my parents and grandparents instilled in me a deep respect for all people and a fierce sense of justice and equality. It is hard to find words for the grief, the fear, and the anger that our Black brothers and sisters are feeling at this moment. The outrage and despair so many are experiencing right now are natural responses to the perpetual and unaccountable killing of innocent Black men and women at the hands of the police.

Our donors expect us to address the health problems of our community and in that role we must address this deadly strain of racism and inaction — in our communities and in the nation as a whole. Whether it’s police killings or the disproportionate deaths from COVID-19, no one should tolerate a system that diminishes the value of Black lives.

We must stand united for the health, safety, and just treatment of all.

Mark Ryle
President, Saint Francis Foundation