The Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI) stands with full hearts in solidarity with the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Jamel Floyd, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and many others whose names we may never know.

These unbearable acts of violence,  police brutality and systemic oppression against the Black community are not isolated incidents. They are the legacy of U.S. history over the last 400 years, including slavery, institutionalized racism against Black, Latinx, and Asian communities, colonization, and genocide against indigenous people.

This must stop. Now

Racism is a public health issue as well.  Prolonged and repeated racial violence and oppression can also cause psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).   

We are committed to working as allies to empower and protect our most vulnerable disenfranchised populations and enact positive strengths-based solutions going forward.  

CERI is determined to be a part of meaningful change. We have formed a committee of Board members, staff, and clients and are conducting teach-in gatherings to promote critical self-reflection and to identify ways in which we can take impactful action both short-term and long-term. 

Today, despite great anger, deep sadness, and, at times despair, we are standing up and joining hands with the Black Lives Matter movement and all others working to transform racial, economic, and social injustice, once and for all.

CERI board, staff and community