In light of the recent, tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery as a result of racially charged violence and police brutality, we want to emphasize our support to the Black Lives Matter Movement and stand in solidarity with the Black members of our Georgetown community as they continue to experience the deep-rooted effects of racial injustice. Being Black in America should not be a death sentence, and Black Lives Matter should not be a social media trend. 

 

Considering Georgetown’s history with slavery and longstanding culture of white privilege, it is imperative that our group uses our voice and platform to empower Black individuals rather than remain passive and silent. To assume or accept that racism and prejudice do not exist within our society, in Georgetown, and our own group would be naive and unjust. These issues have and will continue to be present until we take definitive steps to more fully recognize the plights of BIPOC and other POC, commit ourselves to be actively anti-racist, and reflect on our individual privileges. 

 

We have and will continue to think of new ways that we can counter racism and become better allies as a group. Through a cappella, we aspire to promote inclusivity, create a space where everyone feels recognized, and appreciate the contributions of Black artists. Yet we have work to do in order to more fully embody these sentiments: calling out overt and covert racism, initiating conversations about the history of racism at our school and in our group, and finding ways to engage with underrepresented and marginalized communities, among others. 

 

We participate in a club that revolves around our voices, and now more than ever, it is crucial that we use them.