The Association of Caribbean Social Work Educators (ACSWE) is compelled to denounce the racially motivated attacks that are occurring against the Black community in the United States. The most recent incidents are part of a pattern of violence meted out to people of
colour and other marginalised groups in that country and elsewhere. Its repeated incidence and the lack of redress have led to the latest uprisings.
We stand in solidarity with and share the pain and fear of family members, friends & colleagues, who are directly and indirectly impacted by these events.
Generations of Caribbean peoples have long been subject to racism, prejudice, and injustice of many kinds. When they relocate “in search of a better life” they encounter racial profiling, institutional racism, and oftentimes racially motivated actions of agents of the state, coupled with and fed by anti-immigrant rhetoric, sentiments, and policies.
The protests that have erupted across the US and in other parts of the world this past week are a testament to the depth of grievance and increased desperation felt by the community. “I CAN’T BREATHE” is a tragic and apt metaphor for the smothering and stifling oppression
that pervades communities of colour. We do not condone violence and we strongly condemn riots, vandalism and looting. However civil disobedience is a legitimate method of empowerment and social change. This time in history offers legislators and governments
across the world an opportunity to take notice. An opportunity to confront this crisis at its source and enact strict anti-discriminatory and anti-racist laws and policies. Swift and transparent justice must be forthcoming for the growing number of cases.
As educators, we commit our teaching, research and social action to supporting the eradication of racism. Its persistence is a deep, dark, noisome stain on all civilization
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