Listening, Learning, and Answering the Call to Change (with links to empowering organizations)

I am sickened by the recent deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and now Rayshard Brooks—and all similar unnecessary deaths.  I am angry on behalf of my friends, family members, and patients who have been subjected to judgement, put at a disadvantage, or even put in danger because of their race.  I am afraid for patients of color (especially African American) with communication disorders, who are at higher risk of incarceration and being misinterpreted as hostile.

For the last few weeks, I have been extra intentional about listening and learning.  So far, these are the calls to change that I am hearing:  examine our own biases, follow the leadership of communities we wish to help, and support organizations that empower minorities, even when it’s not “trending”. 

Today, I'm posting a list of some empowering organizations led by (or working hard to empower) people of color--most especially African Americans and immigrants/refugees.  This list focuses on education and religious organizations.  

Remember, it’s no single person's job to support every organization; we are not “saviors”!  We are just humans accompanying other humans on a difficult journey.  With that in mind, please consider supporting some of these organizations with me.