Dear Readers,
The Statement Magazine is a unique student-driven publication that is dedicated to providing long-form reporting, political and cultural commentary, along with lighthearted narratives. We are committed to providing accurate and thought-provoking content. As millions of Americans across the country have taken to the streets to protest George Floyd’s murder and the ongoing racial inequalities that plague the country, we feel the need to honor our magazine’s origin. In light of the recent outbreaks of protests, our priorities have changed, and we will not be publishing the scheduled pieces for this week’s edition. We recognize that our role as a news publication has a serious responsibility to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced, and are dedicated to doing so in future editions. Our current cohort is made up of non-Black writers and editors, and thus we acknowledge that we will never personally understand the experiences that the Black community faces. We are committed to consistently checking our privilege both as individuals and as a team, as well as actively pursuing anti-racist efforts through unlearning of status quo.
As contributors to a large publication, we fundamentally believe that silence is not the answer. We vow to take the time to educate ourselves on racism, injustice, and violence, and dedicate ourselves to amplifying the voices of those who have been wrongfully silenced. We are frustrated and heartbroken by the brutal murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, as well as the numerous other innocent members of the Black community who have unrightfully been targeted by years of systemic racism. The current state of the world represents anger that is rooted not only in these murders but also centuries of violence, injustice, and oppression. We stand in solidarity with the Black community and the Black Lives Matter movement. We believe that everybody deserves to be treated with respect and to live without fear. We are determined to play a part in making a long-overdue change and fighting for what is right.
We also want to voice our support for the journalists in the field covering the ongoing protests, and working to expose the horrific and cyclical injustices harming our country. Many are being silenced, mainly by the police, while risking their lives in an attempt to shed light on the developing situation. Still, we want to acknowledge the media’s historic role in propagating biases against the Black community.
In line with our mission and determination to provide a platform for student voices, our publication, as always, is accepting contributions. If you would like to submit a piece, or if you have suggestions for how The Statement can best serve the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor communities going forward, please contact our team at statement@michigandaily.com
We encourage our readers to join us in educating ourselves through engaging in active conversations, checking our biases, holding friends and family accountable, diversifying knowledge, and leaning into the discomfort that may arise in doing so. Attached are some links that we have personally found useful and recommend, but we recognize there are many other helpful and important resources that may not be included.
Black Lives Matter: Ways to help
A list of recommended resources for supporting the Black Lives Matter movement
10 Books About Race To Read Instead Of Asking A Person Of Color To Explain Things To You
We thank you for your continued support of The Statement Magazine.
Sincerely,
The 2020 Summer Statement Staff