In 2014, we first published our statement of support. It’s with something between sadness and horror that it’s essential we publish it again. In the intervening years, things have not improved for the African-American community. Because of the racism inherent in our society, they are at risk of death while doing nothing more than living normal lives. All black people, but especially black men, face violence from the very entities that should be protecting them. As we said in 2014:

This website normally focuses on issues relating to the environment, and more specifically to the damage being done by “nativist” thinking that destroys trees and habitat to favor “native” plants. But this topic is too important for us to ignore.

With a growing sense of outrage and concern, we’ve watched what has happened to African American adults and children – that they cannot assume they will get the same rights and consideration that others do in this country. We’re dismayed that parents need to talk to their young children, particularly their sons, about the special submissive behaviors they must adopt to avoid getting killed.

The San Francisco Forest Alliance cannot be silent on this. We stand with many other environmental organizations in our support of the movement for change.

We stand against prejudice and embedded bias, and stand with communities of color in their struggle.

Black Lives Matter.