There comes a time when silence is betrayal. In response to the murder of George Floyd, as well as the state-endorsed police violence that has occurred in the U.S. over the past several decades, we find it imperative to use our privilege as a publication at an institution like UVA to stand in solidarity with those who are protesting, as well as encourage our readers to support organizations that seek to rectify these injustices.

The Virginia Review of Politics endorses the Black Student Alliance’s demands to the University of Virginia, as UVA has done little to deconstruct the systems of violence and inequality it was founded upon. We also encourage all who are financially able to donate to the George Floyd Memorial Fund, the Black Visions Collective, or Reclaim the Block — all of which are doing incredible work in Minnesota. If you are interested in supporting efforts specific to your region or hometown, there are a plethora of organizations across the country working on matters of transformative justice, which you can learn more about here.

Regardless of whether you are able to support these efforts financially, take a stand against racism in your everyday lives. Dedicate yourself to becoming actively anti-racist, rather than “not racist”. Take the time to learn about UVA’s history of slavery and segregation, question the iconography of Thomas Jefferson, speak out on the events of August 2017, and make an effort to reach out to and connect with the citizens of Charlottesville.

Here at VROP, we are dedicated to taking a stand against racism. As a political publication, we have the unique opportunity to amplify young people’s voices and serve as a vehicle for community discussion. We encourage students – particularly Black students willing to share their lived experiences of systemic racism at UVA and beyond – to write articles about the histories of marginalization, abuse, and oppression that continue to shape our world. We strive to use our platform to elevate those who have struggled in this battle, and whose leadership we look to amidst this travesty of justice.

If there is anything you would like to see VROP do better to support you, Charlottesville, your communities, and the Black Lives Matter movement, please reach out. The past few days have been traumatic, emotional, and exhausting for many, and we ask that you take care of yourselves, reflect, and check-in with one another.

In solidarity,

The Virginia Review of Politics