Refugee Congress Honors George Floyd’s Memory and Reaffirms Our Commitment to Stand for Racial Equity & Justice
Refugee Congress Honors George Floyd’s Memory and Reaffirms Our Commitment to Stand for Racial Equity & Justice
For Immediate Release: May 25, 2021
WASHINGTON-On the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, Refugee Congress honors Floyd’s life and reaffirms our commitment to standing against racial injustice.
We stand together with communities and families to condemn Floyd’s killing and the needless murder of other Black Americans. Although we applaud the conviction of former Police Officer Derek Chauvin, no ruling or memorial can bring back Floyd or other Black Americans killed by police. The conviction in no way minimizes the work that needs to be done.
The brutality and murders illustrate the deeply rooted system of racial inequity, violence and injustice in this country. We have much work to do to find a path out of the structural racism that is endemic in our institutions, and to build a safer and more just future for the next generation.
As former refugees and asylum-seekers, we are survivors of war and genocide, and we know the devastating impacts of injustice and hate. We came to this country fleeing violence and persecution, seeking a safe haven to build our lives, raise our families, pursue our dreams and become contributing members of our communities. We are devastated to see racist violence in our new home, and we worry for ourselves, our families and our communities.
Refugee Congress calls on each of us to work together to stop the cycle of racism, inequity and violence in our country. We must come together to build a better, safer future.
Lourena Gboeah, Refugee Congress Board Chair and Honorary Delegate from Delaware
“It has been a year since George Floyd's death, and our nation continues to seek justice for Black and Brown people. The road to justice is far away, but we are taking steps ahead daily. I think we can all agree with George Floyd's seven year-old daughter Gianna Floyd and her statement that, ‘Daddy changed the world.’ Because of George Floyd, today we have an uprising in the quest for social and economic justice. Because of George Floyd, we now have more allies, which include organizations who have recognized their lack of contributions to the cause. We have a ways to go, but the path seems less cloudy today, because of George Floyd.”
Nili Yossinger, Refugee Congress Executive Director
“On the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, we are reminded that we cannot pause, even for a moment, in the work of repairing our broken systems that perpetuate racial inequity and provide a breeding ground for targeting Black members of our communities. When we stop feeding narratives of hate, we will see what is possible. Equity is possible. Kindness is possible. We should never settle for anything less.”
Gedeon Jino, Refugee Congress Delegate for Kansas
"Three hundred and sixty-five days have passed by since the shameful murder of George Floyd happened (25th May 2020 – 25th May 2021); but my memory presents it as a new event! How shall I get rid of it? That is the question! When my boys drive out, I sometimes wonder what will happen to them. Have I become paranoid? I don’t know. Yes, I know something. First, I was not like this when I came here. Second, there exist extremist racists out there. Therefore, finally, everybody’s effort to identify and transform them into peaceful citizens is greatly needed. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
Dagemawit Kebede, Refugee Congress Communications and Advocacy Associate
“As we mourn the murder of George Floyd a year after his life was taken by Minneapolis police officers who were meant to protect his life, we are reminded of the deep systematic racism and injustice that is engraved in this nation. We grieve for the continued trauma inflicted on Black Americans as their lives are targeted, and violently taken away by systems that were never designed to protect them. It is critical we work towards systematic change and address the root causes of racism in our nation.”
Lubab Al-Quraishi, Refugee Congress Delegate for New Jersey
"I can't keep calm when an innocent person can't breathe. It's time for justice, not injustice based on our colors, race and ethnicity. It's time for equality.”
Clara Hart, Refugee Congress Honorary Delegate from South Dakota
“The killing of George Floyd last year was a turning point. The lesson learned is that we Americans can be united in times of great need. I was proud to see Blacks, whites, Asians, Latinos and Native Americans come together to condemn the killing. Let us never forget. Although we have made some strides, we continue to be called to stand up and act.”
Kacy Kostiuk, Refugee Congress Communications Manager
“A year after the murder of George Floyd, we continue to mourn his killing and the killings of other Black members of communities across the U.S. There is so much more work to be done to reverse the anti-Black racism and racial injustices and inequities ingrained in this country’s history and present. We have seen people come together for change in the past year, and as we continue this work for racial equity and justice, I am hopeful for a better future.”
Refugee Congress strives to share anti-racism and social justice resources within and beyond our community. Some resources are available here.
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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.
MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org
