To the Silver Community,
Nearly fifty-four years ago, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. authored his last book, entitled Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? In 2021, during a global pandemic, anti-Black violence, assault on voter rights, and the rise of white supremacist terrorist groups, we find ourselves asking the same questions posed by Dr. King. It starts with the examination of the truth about America and our complicity in perpetuating a false narrative that has convinced us to doubt ourselves, doubt morality, and doubt science. One truth to examine is the magnitude of racism in America and the disparate impact on BIPOC communities’ healthcare, housing, jobs, wages, and education.
In 2021, King’s messages echo our call for action. Today, we call on every member of the Silver community to commit to rebuilding our community inclusive of policies, structures, and practices that center social justice, democracy, and the truth that acknowledges our complicity in the perpetuation of chaos. Hidden in plain sight, we allowed hatred to grow and communities to be fragmented and isolated.
We ask us on MLK’s anniversary to reflect on his legacy and ask ourselves two questions: What are you doing, and are we doing enough to make the structural changes to our local and Silver communities? Towards that end, there are still
openings on a variety of the School’s Action Against Racism Work Groups, and current Silver faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to express interest in serving on a Work Group.
We chose community over chaos and we choose to lead with love over hatred. We ask you to join us.
