The Young Ambassador’s Solidarity Statement on the Killing of George Floyd

June 1, 2020

Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS) Young Ambassadors condemn the killing of George Floyd, David McAtee, Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Sandra Bland, and the countless other Black people who lost their lives as a result of racist actions. As future leaders of the global community, we recognize the importance of our voices, particularly in advancing peace and security.  

Institutional racism and structural discrimination impacts human rights and threatens our national and international security efforts. In 2019, Black people comprised 24% of those killed by police in the United States, despite only making up 13% of the U.S. population. In that same year, there were only twenty-seven days where the police did not kill someone. Twenty-seven out of three hundred and sixty-five days. With little law enforcement oversight and judicial punitive action, history is repeating itself time and time again. This must end. 

As a coalition of diverse voices and perspectives, WCAPS provides meaningful spaces and opportunities for women of color to be at the forefront of leadership and decision-making. We recognize that in order to succeed in our work in a country that continues to reinforce systematic racism and white supremacy, we must challenge the institutions upholding racial and ethnic inequalities. Our vital work and racism cannot coexist. During a time where COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting the same communities fighting for equal rights today, we are angry that the lives of Black people are deemed less valuable, less worthy of dignity and protection than others.  

We must, as a society, do better to eliminate the racism targeted at Black people and all people of color in our society. In moving forward, the WCAPS Young Ambassadors urge local governments to redirect public funds to community-led health and safety programs. We must strengthen access to affordable housing, education, health care, and mental health services. We must eliminate voter suppression laws, which also disproportionately impacts Black people and prevents them from having a voice in selecting those who represent them on domestic and foreign policies. We must also provide opportunities for meaningful civic participation at all levels of the government.

We cannot disengage or become desensitized to targeted violence in our communities. Rather, we must work together to advance global peace and security. As voices of the next generation of leaders, we seek a future that eliminates the racism and discrimination ingrained into our current culture.