Jion Academy Public Statement

Jion Academy is a non-profit organization located in Oakland, California dedicated to improving lives, strengthening families, and improving communities. We condemn racism in the strongest terms possible. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and Erik Salgado are some of the most recent victims in a seemingly endless stream of senseless violence committed against Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). These atrocities as a result of systemic racism have generated anguish and protests from people of good will all over the world.

We call for change in law enforcement and for action from political leaders so these latest, public, moments of pain and suffering may finally lead to the change our society needs. And we stand with our partners, funders and the communities they support, in their efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive society.  

The blight of systemic racism corrupts every activity and institution that matters in our lives – our education and health systems, the environment, the arts, politics, commerce, law, and philanthropy. To accelerate reform requires more than a statement like this or one-time action; it demands ongoing commitment. 
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These are troubling and challenging times. We need unity now more than ever. Healing these divides will take hard work, and responsibility for that lies with each of us, both individually and collectively. We cannot do so, however, unless we are willing to stand up for what is right, change what is wrong, and condemn both injustice and those willing to ignore it.