As an organization rooted in Christian hope and faith, we are called to “do away with the yoke of oppression” and “spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry, and satisfy the needs of the oppressed” (Isaiah 58:9-10). We at Congo Initiative lament and denounce the oppression and violence experienced by Black communities in the United States. We grieve along with them and particularly with the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the many others who mourn the senseless death of their loved ones.
In our work to create opportunities for the Congolese people to thrive and flourish, we are aware that many of the things we strive to achieve are denied to Black Americans as a result of systemic and structural inequality. This is not new, and the events unfolding in the past few weeks remind us that racial injustice remains a stain on American society. From lack of access to quality education, food security, healthcare, and affordable housing, to police brutality and mass incarceration, Black communities continue to bear the burden of racial inequality.
Congo Initiative stands in solidarity with the Black community and with protestors raising their voices calling for justice and an end to racism and white supremacy. And though it feels tragic to have to say this in 2020 America, its significance cannot be understated – black lives matter.
As we lament the killings and all forms of oppression experienced by Black communities, we must also remember to listen and learn from them. It is their voices that should be amplified. Particularly as followers of Jesus Christ, we must acknowledge our complicity, break our silence, and be proactive in dismantling systems of injustice and racism.
We remain committed to our values of seeking hope, justice, peace, healing, and lifting up the voices of those marginalized, oppressed, and vulnerable. Our prayer is that God teaches us how to live into these values as we join others to end racism, white supremacy, ethnic divides, injustice, poverty, and oppression, whether in Congo, the United States, or elsewhere around the world.
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For questions or further information, please contact our Communications Director, Justin Hubbard, at justin.hubbard@congoinitiative.org or 919-806-7297.
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