Black Lives Matter

We’re writing today in grief, deep rage, and solidarity about the long history of anti-blackness and state-sanctioned violence that has brought us to this moment. We are heartened by the profound power of people with clear vision who are unwilling to continue existing in and being silent about these evil systems. We believe unequivocally that Black lives matter. Resourcing, supporting and caring for our community of advocates, activists and changemakers who are tearing down the lethal and extractive systems of white-supremacy, patriarchy, and imperialism is at the heart of the mission of the Hive Fund for Climate and Gender Justice.

I can’t breathe. ~George Floyd

We know that the white supremacist systems and forces that allowed officers to literally asphyxiate George Floyd, Eric Garner and others before them without remorse or fear of repercussion are the same forces that allow governments and industry to asphyxiate Black and brown communities with pollution while ignoring generations of community members telling us they can not breathe. Black households are 75% more likely to live near industrial pollution sites than other Americans, and Black Americans are three times more likely to die from asthma-related causes than whites. Black children are dying at 10 times the rate of their white counterparts. This is not an accident. Black people’s health, lives and humanity have continually been subordinated to white power and profit.

We will continue to be in conversation with funders about how philanthropy can best show up in support of this moment and the ongoing work. Click here to learn how our grantee partners are taking action.

#SayHerName #BlackTransLivesMatter

Today would have been Breonna Taylor’s 27th birthday. Breonna was an EMT who delivered care to the members of the Louisville community. Today, instead of celebrating a new year with her, Breonna’s family and community will mourn the life she could have lived. We speak her name. Tony McDade’s family and community have been denied transparency that impedes their ability to seek justice in the aftermath of his death at the hands of Tampa police officers. We speak his name. The stories of women and transgender and gender nonconforming people who have experienced state-sanctioned violence are often less reported on. Their fights get less recognition and fewer resources making it more difficult for their families to get justice. We are intentional about speaking their names.