Black Lives Matter.

CPERG June 6, 2020

Black Lives Matter. CPERG stands in solidarity with those protesting in the United States and we echo their calls for justice for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and countless others killed, injured, and harmed by police violence and systemic racism.

Transformational change is needed. We support those working to dismantle the structures of white supremacy and anti-Blackness within our cultures and across our social, legal, education, criminal justice, and political institutions. CPERG must increase our own efforts to directly engage and contribute to this work in the research we conduct, the seminars we hold, and in the practices of our community.

CPERG stands in solidarity with those struggling against violence in all its forms and with those living in conflict around the world. In doing so, we acknowledge what is happening in the United States right now is intertwined with global patterns of direct, cultural, and structural violence and racism that permeate our collective societies and institutions – including the United Kingdom, the University of Cambridge, and the Faculty of Education.

Speaking out is important and the words we use matter. However, words are not enough – action is needed. We call on all of our members to engage in anti-racism work and to increase our collective efforts to listen, learn, act, reflect, and remain accountable. At CPERG, we must continue to acknowledge our own positionalities and address the systemic racism that exists within ourselves, our community, and the institutions with which we partner and support.

CPERG must prioritise translating this statement into action in the coming weeks, months, and years. CPERG cannot simply be opposed to racism – a point of negative peace. We must seek to practice anti-racism – an iterative process of positive peace working towards the transformation of the very structures we inhabit. We at CPERG continue to endeavor to make these changes a reality in ourselves and through our work.

For folks in Cambridge (and beyond), we encourage you to check out the resources and links curated by the CUSU BME Campaign – ‘What can you do? Tips on how to help make a difference and break the silence.’ – and to read and sign the Open Letter from Students, Staff, Societies, and Alumni to Vice-Chancellor Toope.