Dear BCSN Family and UVA Community,
The Black Commerce Student Network would like to extend our deepest condolences to the friends and families of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others who lost their lives due to racism and police brutality. The Black Commerce Student Network values every Black life and recognizes the tragedies in the Black community due to systematic oppression and lack of justice. But in the midst of it all, we must use our voice. We are more powerful than we know and we must channel our frustration into enacting change in the commerce, UVA, and greater Charlottesville communities.
Where McIntire lacks, we will speak out. We are more than a statistic for diversity and inclusion. We encourage you to challenge your peers and challenge employers who have chosen to remain silent. Consider who you surround yourself with and which employers you choose to work for. With our commitment to career development, we also recognize that at this time, it may be difficult to navigate in an internship or career setting. We recommend that you reach out to your mentors for guidance and support. Do not be discouraged if your job or internship has been cancelled or reduced. Many companies and recruiters will be understanding of this period of uncertainty. We urge you to take the time to work on your personal brand and resume building through various workshops and programs being offered virtually. If you need any additional resources, feel free to reach out to anyone within BCSN.
During this time, we also encourage you all to support the Black Lives Matter Movement, the Black Visions Collective, Reclaim the Block, and the Bail Projects Fund. If you choose to protest, we ask that you do it safely and take all necessary precautions. At this time, using your voice has a different meaning to everyone, but please support in any way possible. Here is a link to additional resources: https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1CjZMORRVuv-I-qo4B0YfmOTqIOa3GUS207t5iuLZmyA/mobilebasic
As we process these recent events, it is imperative to take care of your mental health. We ask that you take the time to reflect and be with your loved ones. It is easy to get consumed with social media, but please put your mental health first. We are tired, we are exhausted, we are heartbroken. Black lives have always mattered and always will.
#SayTheirNames
#BlackLivesMatter
With love and solidarity,
Alexis Goode & Zion Harris
BCSN Exec 2020-2021
The statement above was sent via email to McIntire leadership from Alexis Goode and Zion Harris, Co-Presidents of the Black Commerce Student Network, June 2, 2020.
