Without Justice, There is No Peace.
"I am America*. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me."
- Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali inspires us because he was uncompromising in his advocacy for racial and social justice, he was courageous in the face of opposition, and he spoke truth to power. Like Ali, we have power when we join together in our demand for action – we must have meaningful and lasting change that disrupts the systems of white supremacy.
Statement from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Centers: The Diversity and Equity units are devastated by the injustice in out community. Unfortunately, theses feelings are not new, and while we are not surprised, we are as deeply disappointed by the injustices continuously experienced in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. This heartbreak is centuries old. We hoped this time would be different, and perhaps we even felt the opportunity for meaningful change was at hand. Many of us also knew or feared deep in our hearts this decision by the Kentucky Attorney General would be the same outcome - lack of justice. The pain and anger are just as raw as the first-time injustice is experienced, and we are left with little-to-no outlet for our rage. To say many in our community are devastated and irreparably harmed, does not convey how deep this hurt goes. [Read the full statement here.]
Resources from the Muhammad Ali Institute - Keeping our Community Engaged, Knowledgeable, and Supported
Our mission centers around the idea that without justice there can be no peace. The Institute has “Know Your Rights” information for anyone attending any gathering so they understand their First Amendment right to publicly express their views and opinions. These cards are available at our office in Strickler Hall and can be downloaded here. In addition to more “Know Your Rights” information, we will be utilizing our Instagram account to provide up to date information and accurate sources of information. Feel free to stop by our office at Strickler Hall for a copy of the KYR card. For more information and support be sure to plug into the resources listed below:
Stay up to date on good sources for information/news surrounding social injustice by following these Instagram accounts:
- @UofLMAI (UofL Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice)
- @ABIatUofL (UofL Anne Braden Institute)
Feel free to reach out to us via email, phone, or IG direct messaging for more information. Additionally, be sure to check your university emails for messages sent from President Neeli Bendapudi and Dr. V. Faye Jones.
* We are mindful that the term “America” as it is used in the U.S. is not inclusive because all of nations of the Western Hemisphere are part of the “Americas,” and the term is used often to refer only to U.S. citizens, excluding all of the people living here (both citizens and noncitizens).