I wanted to share some of the difficult but necessary conversations I've had with friends, colleagues, and partners in our black community. We talked about the moment we are in – that the rioting we are seeing is a direct response to years of systemic injustice.

We talked about agitation – yes even violent agitation and how it has historically occurred with purpose and resulted in change that has moved this country forward.

We talked about educational disparities. Health disparities. Housing disparities. Employment disparities.

All placing the Black community at a worsening disadvantage.

We talked about why we must center the Black community.

Black voices MUST be elevated when we are talking about impact, when we are talking about restorative justice, when we are talking about reconciliation, and when we are talking about healing.

And how we will, no matter how long it takes, do that so we all - most acutely our Black community - can feel safe, heard, and valued.