Women's Global Empowerment FundWGEF’s response to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021
On January 6th, a violent insurrection aimed at stopping Joe Biden from becoming the next duly elected president shocked the world. America has a long and vibrant history of a peaceful transition of power, even during times of contention. It is this transition that keeps the American Experiment alive and moving forward. While the U.S. is not exceptional, it is the aspirational nature of our constitution and a majority of our citizenry to continue to create a more perfect and equal union.
WGEF condemns the violent event, the destruction, the death, and the surreal scenes that caused many to usher their children from the room; the chanting and costumes that blurred the line between reality and the impossible; and the utter desecration of America’s preeminent symbol of democracy.
On full display January 6th was the ultimate in white privilege, flaunted in an orchestrated, armed, white insurrection at the Capitol. The disparity with which white and black people are treated in similar (only in size and space) scenarios was in full view.
This disparity in police treatment of the Trump lead mob and BLM protestors—as well as other protestors advocating for civil liberties and equal justice—is blatant. The deep and entrenched racism that continues to plague this country was encouraged and perpetuated from the top down, and as an organization committed to social justice, we strongly condemn, and not politely, what is black and white.
While protesting after the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, BLM activists and others were met with tear gas, flash grenades, and rubber bullets, with many sustaining serious injuries. Compare that to the gentle and polite treatment of the white insurrectionists by some law enforcement officers, and the lack of serious preparation by many. The hypocrisy is mind-blowing.
Our hope is that we take this moment to engage and begin to build the future we want; to hold our government officials accountable and speak truth to power; and finally, to do the hard work of healing and creating a world based on racial, economic, and gender justice.
WGEF works every day to promote social justice. In everything we do, justice and equality are at the heart of our work.
Peace,
Karen and WGEF
