Camden, NJ (April 23, 2021) - In a statement from Richard Stagliano, President/CEO of Center For Family Services, he notes:
"Center For Family Services recognizes the struggle for equity that has plagued our nation for hundreds of years. We stand together United For Justice.
I am hopeful that this week’s guilty verdict in the George Floyd murder case is a step in the right direction for our country. We remain hopeful that the verdict will lead to widespread changes and improvements in efforts towards social justice. Everyone has the human right to be treated fairly and respectfully. There is much to be done to bring equity to the treatment of black and brown communities. Anyone who perpetrates violence and racism against others needs to be held accountable for their actions.
The recent efforts in numerous states to make it more difficult for people to vote is an attack against our basic beliefs as citizens of the United States. Efforts to restrict and limit voting rights, often targeting marginalized communities is an assault on our democracy. We must fight hard for all voices to be heard and this inherent right be protected.
The month of May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Center For Family Services acknowledges this celebration and encourages you to visit our Intercultural Competency Committee’s webpage on the new employee portal to learn more about the AAPI community. While we take these next weeks to celebrate the history, accomplishments, and traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we must also acknowledge their struggles. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the AAPI community have been the victims of scapegoating, violence, and harassment across the country including the recent murders of Soon Chung Park, Suncha Kim, Yong Ae Yue, Hyun Jung Grant, Xiaojie Tan, and Daoyou Feng in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have experienced xenophobia and racism long before the pandemic, but over the past few months Anti-Asian racism and violent attacks on Asian elders have only increased. Center For Family Services condemns all forms of anti-Asian hate and stands united with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
Communities of color have lived with this type of racial trauma for far too long. We cannot sit by and let our neighbors, colleagues, and friends be subjected to this bigotry and violence. Each of us has a part to play in stopping the spread of hate. Now is the time to show up for one another and stand against injustice. I ask everyone at Center For Family Services to practice allyship, amplify Asian voices, and educate yourself on what Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have historically experienced in our country.
Again, it is not enough to be “not racist”, we must be actively anti-racist. To do this, we must call out racism at every turn and call people into conversations. We must learn what to do when we witness hate and reflect on our own biases. This social justice work may feel overwhelming, but it is our duty to create a just and equitable world. Remember, we’re in this together."
Richard Stagliano is the President/CEO of Center For Family Services. Center For Family Services is a cornerstone of your community and a beacon of hope for children and families across New Jersey. With a history dating back to 1920, Center For Family Services continues to expand our presence across New Jersey and has an in-depth understanding of community needs, a breadth of organizational knowledge, extensive partnerships, and strong relationships throughout the community and state. Most importantly, Center For Family Services remains responsive to the ongoing and changing needs that exist within our community.
