Maine Community Foundation's Statement on Racial Violence and Systemic Racism

In 2020, the Maine Community Foundation joined thousands of others in Maine and across the United States in condemning the murder of George Floyd. We’re moved to speak up again, this time on the racist attack against an Asian American woman and her family here in Maine and the rapid escalation of anti-Asian violence and harassment that has spread across our country in the last year.

We stand with many others to condemn racism and violence and express our support for those who have been targeted and victimized. No one should live in fear of hate and violence. When that occurs, our entire community is threatened and harmed.

We know racism is deeply embedded in our history and social institutions. Because of that, race remains the greatest predictor of health, education, wealth, and life expectancy. These attacks further amplify how explicit racism threatens the everyday lives of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.

It is up to everyone to condemn racism in all its forms and actively confront and dismantle the structures that perpetuate racism. Those with power, privilege, and other resources have an extra responsibility to speak up and take action. Otherwise, we remain complicit. Please join us.

Since 2017, MaineCF has implemented a number of strategies designed to increase awareness about and reduce systemic racism. We are committed to doing more and welcome your participation.