Dear Friends,
On January 1st, many awakened with renewed hope and optimism for themselves, their families, and their communities. In less than six months, life as we’ve known it has been turned on its head. No one could have predicted that we would be gut punched by a global pandemic or the devastating economic consequences that have followed, and now our nation is convulsing in response to the horrific murder of a U. S. citizen in broad daylight by someone sworn to protect and serve us. But here we are…
George Floyd should still be with us today. As should Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubery, Freddie Gray, and others too numerous to recount here.
Structural racism is an insidious disease. While many have dedicated and given their lives to eradicating this disease, it continues to exist today seemingly unabated, and it must be confronted and dismantled. This is not simply a matter of black versus white or people of color versus those who are not. This is more about right versus wrong and justice versus injustice.
Despite this mountain of challenges, we remain hopeful and resolute in our belief that our best days are ahead. The second half of 2020, with some very hard work, is our opportunity to start to vigorously build a future free of racism, hate, and injustice to one full of HOPE.
Hope like what we see manifested in the peaceful protests and demand for justice. Hope like what we feel when we see the young people whose voices are ringing loud for reform, equity, and reconciliation. Hope that will be enjoyed by creating an economic playing field on which everyone is able to play.
This Hope energizes our conviction that strong fathers, strong families, and strong communities are an indispensable power in the triumph of love over the forces of hatred.
“Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.” ― Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rest in Power and Love, George Floyd. The entire CFUF family breathes in your memory,
With respect,
Joe
Joseph T. Jones, Jr.
Founder/President and CEO