Statement on the Racially-Motivated Shooting in Buffalo

Be Inclusive is deeply saddened and angered by the racially-motivated mass shooting in Buffalo, NY, on May 14, 2022. This hate crime took away the lives of ten people, wounded three more, and traumatized countless others. We send our heartfelt condolences to all the victims, their families, their friends, and their community members for the incredible loss and trauma they have experienced. We also want to acknowledge the collective grief and trauma of the Black community. Almost exactly two years ago, a racial reckoning reignited in this country following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many other Black Americans. The massacre in Buffalo has further exposed the deep racial wounds in our society, and emphasized just how much work there is left to do to combat hatred. Many of us may feel unsafe, afraid to speak up, isolated, angry, or sad. 

This tragedy is a painful reminder of the systemic racism that exists within our society. Be Inclusive condemns white supremacy and all forms of racism. We reject the Great Replacement Theory (GRT) that the killer and other perpetrators of recent mass shootings targeting minorities have referenced. As Hen Mazzig explains, the GRT is a white supremacist lie that Jews are conspiring to replace white majorities in power with immigrants and people of color. We must stand together and fight this dangerous ideology. While we don’t pretend to have all the answers, we remain committed to our mission of lifting up the voices of underrepresented and marginalized communities. Together, we will work to build communities where everyone feels safe, included, and celebrated. Feel free to reach out to us at info@beinclusivema.org if you need support. We hope you stay engaged and connected through this time of grief.

Resources

• Facing History and Ourselves

• Fostering Civil Discourse: How Do We Talk About Issues That Matter? | Facing History and Ourselves

• Teaching in the Wake of Violence | Facing History and Ourselves

• Explainer: White Nationalism | Facing History and Ourselves

Book Recommendations to Read with Children

• Race Cars: A Children’s Book About White Privilege, by Jenny Devenny and Charnaie Gordon

• Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism and You, by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi (ages 12 and up)

• Stamped: For Kids  Racism, Anti-Racism and You, by Sonja Cherry-Paul, Jason Reynolds and  Ibram X. Kendi (ages 6-10)

• You Have a Voice, by Vera Ahiyya

• Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness, by Anastasia Higginbotham