“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu
In the wake that has followed the tragic death of George Floyd, and so many others, we can no longer remain silent about the systemic racism and injustices that people of color are facing.
NCASLA is committed to join with many other voices to denounce racism, bigotry, and oppression.
We affirm that Black Lives Matter. People of color matter.
We recognize that we have a long journey ahead of us to see diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we do not yet fully reflect the communities in which we work. Per ASLA data, only 3% of landscape architects identify as African American.
As Kofi Boone stated in his important article, “It may be time to not only think about how Landscape Architecture can better serve Black communities, but also to be honest about the need to begin a radical rethink of the profession.”
We believe that education is vitally important to making real change happen both in ourselves and in our organization. In addition to Kofi’s article, some resources for further learning include:
· Black Landscape Architects Network Statement
· A Detailed List of Anti-Racism Resources
· Historian Ibram X. Kendi On 'How To Be An Antiracist'
Additionally, if you are able, please consider donating to these organizations to support their work.
· NAACP
We are committed to using our voice to reach our sphere of influence.
And we are committed to listening.
Please join with us.
