Black Lives Matter
Stay Strong Kalamazoo
Dear Kalamazoo,
The tragic events that have taken place over the last week have left us truly breathless. How do we, as a public library, express our heartfelt sorrow and offer support to our community? What words can possibly console broken souls who are overcome by tumultuous waves of grief, anger, desperation, and hopelessness?
Let us start with this. We, at Kalamazoo Public Library, believe that Black Lives Matter. Systemic racism was built into the very foundation of this country and continues to severely disadvantage people of color to this day.
The continued, unjust and violent deaths of black men and women at the hands of law enforcement, the most recent being the senseless loss of Mr. George Floyd, is a stark reminder that we, as a society, have not made the systemic changes so desperately needed in law enforcement, within our justice system as a whole, and indeed within all of our institutions. In short, what we continue to witness, unabated, is that black lives don’t matter as much as white lives. Therefore, we as a society, can’t honestly claim that All Lives Matter until we show that Black Lives Matter.
Please know that Kalamazoo Public Library staff and our Board of Trustees stand with our community in solidarity and support for our black and brown brothers and sisters. Stay strong Kalamazoo. Stay strong.
Sincerely,
Kalamazoo Public Library Staff and Board of Trustees.
We know there is nothing we can say that will heal the pain in our community. As your library, what we can do is offer resources such as books and videos, and a list of local organizations that provide services to support your needs during this time.
KPL Social Equity Collection
Local Organization Directory
KPL COVID-19 Resources: https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/covid-19-self-isolation-information-and-resources/
KPL Law Library: https://www.kpl.gov/law-library/
KPL & Social Justice