“Social, racial, and economic justice are inseparable from environmental justice.”

Social, racial, and economic justice are inseparable from environmental justice. We cannot achieve our vision of a Great Lakes enjoyed by all when systemic racism, both blatant and covert, is allowed to permeate our society unchecked. We are outraged by the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. We are outraged at the threats made against Christian Cooper, who was birding in Central Park in New York City. We are outraged by these patterns of violence and racism, and we stand in solidarity with the movement for black lives.

No one should have to fear for their health and safety when enjoying everything the Great Lakes have to offer – from hanging out with friends on a Chicago beach to drawing a glass of water from the tap at home to hiking a remote trail along Lake Superior. All too often, black, brown, and indigenous people cannot take these things for granted.

The Alliance for the Great Lakes, as a white-led organization, has work to do to address racial equity in our work, internally and externally. We have started this work – as individuals, as an organization, and in our communities – but we know that we have a long way to go.

To all who are protesting and those who are hurting, we hear you, we see you, and we stand with you. We are committed to fighting for social, racial and environmental justice in the communities where we live, work, and play.

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