Dear Friends,

The tragic and heartbreaking deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others have brought to the forefront the systemic racism that African Americans face every day.

United Way of the Lowcountry believes everyone should be treated with dignity and respect including equal and equitable access to justice. Now is not the time to be silent but to come together to bring about social justice for African Americans in our community. As we work to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors and build a stronger community, we are reminded of the inequities that exist.  Inequities like access to nutritious food, healthcare, and education. Most importantly the access to equitable treatment, freedom, and justice that has been denied to African Americans for so long.

We commit to partnering with leaders in our community and other community-based organizations to address these pressing issues. Working together, we seek to break the chain of systemic racism that has caused these inequities and to find solutions to improve the basic needs, education, and health disparities in our neighborhoods.

We must all do our part to stand up against racism and injustice in order to make our community a better place for all people.

Dale Douthat

President & CEO

United Way of the Lowcountry