No Racial Justice Without Economic Justice: Black Lives Matter

June 9, 2020

It seems we are traversing a historical narrows.

We have moved from a known pool of experience into a strait of great discomfort and reckoning.

No matter where you are on this remarkable planet, you have likely been feeling through the depths, constraints, and entanglements of what it means to be human in this time.

In our work toward sustainable and inclusive communities directing their own futures, CCEDNet stands in solidarity with Black people and communities everywhere. We decry anti-Black racism in every pernicious form it takes; in our relationships, our communities, our organizations, and in Canada’s systems and institutions. We call out to every person living in Canada to join in the life work of dismantling white supremacy in all its forms.

We celebrate the brilliance, dignity, and leadership of Black people, communities, and organizations. We call for an intersectional, collaborative, community-led approach to justice, giving thanks to and uplifting the leadership of one of CCEDNet’s members, the Social Economy Through Social Inclusion Coalition (SETSI), for their powerful open letter.

SETSI logo (red bullseye with SETSI written across it)

OUR (SETSI'S) MISSION: TO ENGAGE AND PROVIDE MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES TO THE TRADITIONALLY UNDER-REPRESENTED COMMUNITIES IN THE SOCIAL ECONOMY SECTOR

Understanding that the wealth and health of communities are inextricably linked, we call for community leadership and control of resources, assets, decision-making, and policy development, echoing the June 4 demand for community control from the Movement For Black Lives.

We believe that budgets tell important stories, and commit to advocating for divestment from systems of harm toward reinvestment in life-affirming, generative, and generous networks of care. We believe that representation deeply matters, and commit to centering and uplifting stories by people whose voices are unjustly pushed to the peripheries. We believe communities know what they need to thrive and commit to listening deeply to and following community leadership.

With wholehearted determination, we will build frameworks to centre health and well being. We will trust in the power of relationships. We will commit to the question of how to be human together now.

Some straits have the potential to generate significant tidal power. Let’s make this tidal shift one of generational proportions.

toward equity, solidarity, and dignity,
CCEDNet Board & Staff


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