Supporting each other in this moment

Dear Johns Hopkins Community

The conviction today of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd marks an important moment of accountability, and a shared sense of relief, in affirming that no one in our country should stand above the law. Yet it also serves as a reminder of how far we have to go to achieve true justice for all in our society, and of the centuries of brutal violence and insidious racism that have taken the lives of so many Black Americans.

This verdict comes in the midst of a year of reckoning for our nation around race-based violence, which has not abated since George Floyd’s murder, and we recognize the emotional and physical burden borne especially by Black members of our community. We take solace and optimism from the extraordinary displays of solidarity around the world, across the country, and here in Baltimore, and we will draw upon such humanity to carry us forward in the difficult work still to come.

We hope you will consider joining us this Friday, April 23, at 11 a.m. for Addressing Hate During COVID-19, a conversation with our community that aims to provide an opportunity for engaging with one another around the challenges of this moment and for discovering ways to support one another, serve as allies, and act, individually and collectively, to effect change. Information about how to participate is here.

We are grateful to be part of a community that is striving to fully realize the ideals of justice and equality while caring deeply for one another.

Sincerely,

Ron Daniels
President

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