Dear UCLA family and beyond,
In response to the events of the last several weeks, as well as our nation's long history of discrimination against communities of color, we have taken some time to reflect as an organization about our group's role within our community.
As individuals and an organization, we are thoroughly committed to the equality of education, opportunity, and, of course, livelihood. This is why it is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge our role in a system that largely benefits white and white-passing individuals such as ourselves. This system, which has been designed to oppress and divide its people, perpetuates a number of social injustices, including police brutality, xenophobia, and inequitable education, among others - each of which disproportionately affects the Black community.
It is critical we acknowledge the impact of these injustices, and use our privilege, power, and platform to dismantle the systems that disadvantage the communities in which we, as an organization, work. Breaking the cycle of poverty cannot happen without breaking the cycle of police brutality within Black communities. To do this, it is essential we address the present-day segregation that takes place within our institutions - from school systems and healthcare offices to our legislative bodies and political parties - and reaffirms the lack of resources, representation, and safety that Black communities deserve.
As an organization, buildOn is steadfastly committed to addressing these injustices and empowering the Black voices within the communities in which we work. These voices are grossly underrepresented in national conversation, and many, particularly those of women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, are too often excluded from the narrative surrounding police violence. Yet, it is Black women who are responsible for the establishment of the Black Lives Matter movement. Without including and empowering Black voices - especially from women and those within the LGBTQ+ community - our solidarity has failed. As we honor George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless other victims of racially-motivated police brutality, we wish to acknowledge, too, these many voices that remain largely unheard and unrecognized.
Our promise to you, as an organization and as individuals, is to not only stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, but to actively pursue an end to oppressive structures and institutions. We commit to continuous learning and unlearning, to educating ourselves and holding our non-Black friends and family accountable. As a UCLA organization, we will fight for the demilitarization of Westwood, the defunding of the UCPD, significant adjustment or cancellation of final exams, and the allocation of funding and resources for a Black Resource Center. Finally, as a national chapter we will continue to pursue our mission of breaking the cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and low-expectations through our partnership with disenfranchised communities around the globe and empowerment of historically silenced voices.
Most importantly, we acknowledge that allyship is an ongoing commitment, requiring consistent attention so long as the systems in place in the U.S. and abroad continue to disenfranchise their people. We promise that, as an organization and as individuals, we are committed to putting in that work, and implore you to join us.
Please reach out to us if you have any further suggestions as to how we can use our organization and platform to amplify and empower Black voices.
In solidarity,
buildOn at UCLA Executive Board