The Multicultural Business Association (MBA) is proud to be an organization whose members are from all racial groups: Black, Hispanic, White...all races. As a result of this multiculturalism, we have learned so much about ourselves and about each other through authentic dialogues such as Ted Talks regarding the prison system, being a person of color in the workplace and mental health. The discussions are difficult but necessary. Now we are faced with another difficult yet necessary conversation: a conversation about racism and police brutality.

We stand in solidarity with the families of not only George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbrey but with all of those who experience the impact of systematic oppression, dehumanization and exploitation. We believe that every single life on this earth has value and matters, however, we recognize that there is a group who has been disproportionately targeted because of the color of their skin.

We urge the Miami community to be empathetic, compassionate and to aggressively advocate for those populations who are deemed invisible and irrelevant in our society. We are all interdependent on one another, and as a community we need to come together as one Miami to combat racial injustice happening not only in our nation, but in our own backyard. As a united front, we can climb this seemingly insurmountable mountain of uplifting humanity and creating a better world for ourselves, our children and our children’s children.

We challenge you to look inside your heart, your homes and your workplaces and make a conscious effort to further educate and take action regarding equality and inclusivity for people of color. In higher education, we are taught to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Is this rhetoric or do we really believe it? To make change, we have to discuss topics outside of our comfort zone. We have to be the change we want to see. The time is now. So, while you are at home reading this, think to yourself “Would I want my children to be treated the way that society treats black people?” So, have the tough conversations, educate yourself, challenge your own biases and beliefs. Miami, let’s rise to the challenge

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a trade unionist.... Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” Martin Niemöller

Here are some of the action steps you can take TODAY:

• Have tough conversations with your family members, friends and co-workers.

• Register and exercise your right to vote, regardless of the election cycle.

• Peacefully protest (If you do partake in this, please be safe as COVID-19 is still present).

• Participate in the Census.

• Donate to the Official George Floyd Memorial Fund, Campaign Zero, Minnesota Freedom Fund, Reclaim the Block, Black Visions Collective and many others.

• Educate yourself about what Miami University has done already. Miami University Diversity and Inclusion Report 2019-2020 https://miamioh.edu/diversity-inclusion/annual-report/index.html