Wednesday, June 3, 2020
This is an extremely challenging and poignant time in our history, exacerbated by a pandemic that has ravaged New York and states across America – disproportionately impacting our communities of color – and the senseless and tragic death of George Floyd.
The New York Building Congress unequivocally stands with and supports the Black community. We share their anger and frustration, not only at the heart-breaking killing of Mr. Floyd, which reopened wounds that have never been allowed to heal, but at the countless, well-documented historical and present-day injustices and inequalities faced by Black Americans.
Now is a time for us to listen and learn. As an industry whose workforce is 64 percent people of color, we must recognize the divergent realities many Americans live every day and listen to our Black colleagues, neighbors and fellow citizens to educate ourselves. This is a moment to understand the suffering happening around us, to see the pain communities of color are feeling and to work together to correct the societal and institutional wrongs that have marginalized Black Americans for centuries.
Throughout the 99-year history of the Building Congress, we have prided ourselves on bringing people together. Our industry is built on a foundation of relationships, cooperation and the free exchange of ideas. We remain here to foster these exchanges and build a better and more just future for all. Together, we must do better. We must do more.
