Theatre and Dance Department Affirmation: #BlackLivesMatter

I’m writing to you today as a means of encouragement during these times, as well as a call for changing the landscape of systematic racism that has reached a breaking point during this last week.

In this pivotal moment, I think it is important for each of us to define and affirm the roles we can play in supporting people of color in our communities that have been deeply affected; providing the space for conversations about race; being self-reflective; listening to and aiding those in pain — longstanding pains that many of us from our privileged lives can only sympathize with from a distance.

If the arts are the caretakers of stories a community tells itself about itself, then each of us has the inherent capacity to be direct contributors to the new narrative — To speak a truth that might be uncomfortable but necessary. To engage in grace with those who are not like us. To speak up for those whose voice is crying to be heard. To act in whatever way you can against injustice.

“This is the day when...”

Wishing all of you safety and well-being.

In support and solidarity.

The entire faculty and staff of the Theatre and Dance Department