Tangata Group Anti-Racism Statement

Over the past two weeks, communities across the United States have held protests and vigils in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and others who have died during arrest or in police custody. Sadly, these are just not rare occurrences, and reflect a history of Black oppression that cannot be separated from the very founding of the United States. The board members of Tangata Group support the ongoing response by the Black Lives Matter Movement to police brutality and mass incarceration. Tangata Group also acknowledges that the US economic, political and social system is anti-Black at the cost of Black lives, recognizing the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. Sadly, as a legacy of slavery American racism reflects a history of Black oppression, marginalization and exploitation that cannot be separated from the very founding of the United States 244 years ago. We also know that similar forms of violence occur in various ways around the world, but take on the form of colonialism, tribalism, ethnic cleansing, genocide, and war, to name a few catastrophes. We would like to take this time to affirm Tangata Group’s values which we consciously attempt to enact through all facets of our work:

Tangata Group: 

• Recognizes and respects the cultural, social, political, racial, historical, and economic contexts and rights of local communities around the world;

• Values the essence of humanity, with empathy for all;

• Encourages full and equitable participation in all human activities (facets) of life;

• Holds paramount equitable treatment and local ways of knowing and understanding human beings;

• Fights for the elimination of all forms of discrimination (e.g., systemic, individual, physical, attitudinal, legal, educational); and

• Is committed to implementing decolonizing and indigenous methodologies.

While we attempt to do this work to the best of our abilities, we know that we can do better as we seek to disrupt and dismantle White supremacist systems and other systems of dominance and oppression. 

Tangata Group recognizes that it is not enough to be “not a racist.” Instead, we must be actively anti-racist. This means working against racism and challenging our partners and our colleagues when we see anti-Blackness and other forms of racialized violence, including anti-Semitism. It also means reflecting on ourselves and our privilege, and perpetually working to redistribute our power to those who have historically been forced to the margins. 

We know that this is not enough, but we are committed to working towards justice, equality, and inclusion.

Black Lives Matter!

In solidarity,

Tangata Group