Just as Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is here to serve all communities in southwestern Pennsylvania, we are also here to champion social justice, including racial equality, the absence of which is a root cause of food insecurity. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was enacted to prohibit discrimination. All persons must be treated equally without regard to their race, color or national origin. Nearly 60 years later, it saddens me to see the pain and outrage caused by the ongoing failure to eliminate what continues to be a systemic problem. Just as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said in 1963, “I believe it would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment.” We must act now and together. We must speak up and speak out. We must all be better.
Serving those in need for the past 25 years in my role here at the Food Bank, I know the love we as Pittsburghers have for one another. It’s that same love and unity that will enable us to conquer and eradicate racism. Starting with me, we as an organization commit to do our part to confront the issue of the inequitable and unfair treatment of people of color in our country. I encourage our employees, volunteers, corporate and community partners, donors and those we serve to join us in solidarity in support of the black community, not just in this moment, but always. “The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
We see you; we hear you; we are with you.
-In memory of George Floyd and all who lost their lives simply because of the color of their skin