A Statement from Oceana on Racial Justice - Sailors for the Sea

A Statement from Oceana on Racial Justice

 June 3, 2020  | By: Oceana

To witness the killing of one single human being because of skin color is an outrage. To witness the killing of African-American men and women on a recurring basis over decades due to police brutality and racist vigilantes is a systematic failure that is unacceptable in America or any country. To learn of the most recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery is enough to break our hearts.

And our hearts are broken. We want to add our voices to those of all races, ages, and creeds who stand together and say:  This is beyond bearing. We will not tolerate it. The racist killing of African-American men and women simply must stop because it is unjust, illegal, contrary to all of our values, repugnant to any compassionate system of ethics, and inconsistent with the ideals of a democracy.

We must resolve that as people who deeply believe in the value of human life and the dignity of all we will work together for the justice and equality that every person and every community deserves.  Our commitment to the protection of nature is rooted in our commitment to our shared humanity.  They are each essential, and will thrive only when both are honored and protected.

Andrew Sharpless, Chief Executive Officer

James Simon, President

Jacqueline Savitz, Chief Policy Officer, North America