Black Lives Matter

June 4, 2020 (updated May 21, 2021)

There are no words that feel worthy of addressing the murder of so many people in the Black community. On behalf of Ethos to the Black community / African-diaspora: we grieve with you, we love you and we stand with you.

We are heartbroken. Sadly, this is not an anomaly. Black, Indigenous and people of color in our country have been subjected to systems designed to perpetuate fear, inequality and dehumanization. It is slow work to make real change, but we at Ethos are resolved to continue in our efforts to break down and replace these systems with equity, hope and an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion.

With purposeful intent, we continue to seek, welcome and be responsive to Black leadership and the broader POC communities. It is essential that our students see themselves reflected in their networks of teachers, administrators, partners and decision makers who impact their lives. We will continue to lead by example and support our students through music education by creating safe and welcoming spaces for our youth to express themselves, through active listening, collaboration and amplification of community voices. Love is an action word.

We continue to listen and learn. Below is a link we would like to share on this topic from KGW's interview of RACC collaborator and DEI facilitator Kheoshi Owens of Empress Rules. Let's keep working to be the change we wish to see in the world.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QnBuKTTmE8

On behalf of,

Executive Director, Crystal de Alba
Ethos Board of Directors, Staff and Instructors