Black Lives Matter

Dear Friends,

I wanted to take the time to address the recent events that have posed challenges and opportunities for growth in our nation and across the world.

In March, life was turned upside down by COVID-19. Uncertainty struck our health, jobs and daily routines. Still, we are trying to navigate through these unsettled times to the best of our abilities by thinking creatively and taking precautionary measures, as best we can.

On May 25, life was turned upside down once again. This time, by systemic racism, police brutality and racial injustice. As a nation, we can no longer be passive. We must speak out and take action to honor the lives we have tragically lost — George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, among many, many others.

Black Lives Matter.

I, as well as my team empathize with the plight and challenges that Black people face every single day of the week. It’s not enough to simply say ‘we stand’ in solidarity with the Black community in the fight against racism and injustice. It’s what we do next that matters. Our actions will speak for themselves.

That is why we are committed to fighting oppression, providing a platform for artists and holding ourselves and others accountable. Real change can only happen when it’s continuously worked towards.

I cannot stress enough how we need to practice empathy now more than ever within our communities. We’re living in a moment in time where we are facing great outrage and anxiety. Not only due to the global pandemic, but to the injustice that affects the Black community every single day as well.

I encourage you to continue to create during these challenging times. As artists, curators and exhibitors of art, it is what we meant to do. Art is a form of expression that helps to bring awareness, to educate, to inspire others and provoke change, all of which are needed now more than ever.

Recognizing racism is just the beginning to this long-term commitment to change. The next step is to take action and do something about it. Please take a moment to check out some of the resources listed below to find out ways we can help:

Black Art Futures Fund:  A collective of emerging philanthropists promoting the elevation and preservation of Black arts and culture

Black Lives Matter: A global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes

Free Black Mamas National Bail Out: A Black-led and Black-centered collective of abolitionist organizers, lawyers and activists building a community-based movement to support our folks and end systems of pretrial detention and ultimately mass incarceration

George Floyd Memorial Fund: The official memorial fund for George Floyd. Funds cover: funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counseling, lodging and travel for all court proceedings, and to assist the family in the days to come as they continue to seek justice for George. A portion will also go to the estate of George Floyd for the benefit and care of his children and their educational fund.

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund: America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice.

Sincerely,
Chris Davies and the Team at Fabrik