We, the Board of FutureHeights, along with our community and nation, held our breath and prayed for accountability on April 20 as we awaited the verdict regarding the murder of George Floyd. A momentary sigh of relief followed, as we witnessed the justice system beginning to take responsibility for George Floyd and his family in what felt like the first time in this country’s history.

The sigh of relief was in fact momentary, as we learned about still more deaths of African Americans at the hands of police, including Adam Toledo and Ma’Khia Bryant.

Although we acknowledge a step forward, we realize that this will not bring back George Floyd or the countless other African American lives lost as a result of racism.

While we pray and hope to see accountability and change in our society, we continue to work toward social justice and equity as core values of our organization. We will listen and learn, and work to incorporate these values in all aspects of the work of FutureHeights.