As designers, it is our duty to attempt to understand and solve problems impacting individuals and systems. If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. Black lives matter.
We have to acknowledge and embrace the fact that design lives within a system. And the system isn’t broken. It was built this way. Systemic change can only happen if the system is dismantled and redesigned.
The design community is small, but we are part of a much larger community. And right now our communities are rightfully angry, tired, and saddened by the brutality that continues in our country. We are urging our design community to come together to support the individuals, organizations, and movements already working tirelessly for reform and societal change.
We don’t have the reach or the impact of the ACLU or NAACP but we are here to support and listen to the voices of you, our community.
If you are able, donate to @aclu_socal, @naacp, and @mnfreedomfund. Visit the Antiracism Project, Black Lives Matter, and the Black Vision Collective
Design is a discipline of compassion and of listening and of acknowledging personal bias to solve problems. Our response should reflect that. Tomorrow, we will start with small, defined actions and audit ourselves as we move forward.
If you’re looking for ways to educate yourself on being anti-racist, there are resources available.
AIGA Colorado is here to support and to listen, we have a lot of work to do. We stand in solidarity with our Black community.
Stay healthy, stay safe,
AIGA Colorado Board