Say His Name: George Floyd

Today is Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Most of the time, I share my reflections on Monday mornings. Yesterday, instead, I spent much of my time producing the video that went out late last night.

We ask your forgiveness and patience as we do the best we can to produce our work as we all work remotely, with all the complexity that brings, and all that we have experienced. Nevertheless, I am pleased that we were able to get the message out to you for your review and consideration.

I have a few things to share with you about this time.

COVID-19, by itself, standing alone, has created a great deal of stress and many different experiences for us, many of which were unexpected. We have found it to be a challenge — and in some ways, an inspiration, too, as we have learned new ways of coping.

We also know that many of us in our community are missing the opportunities for us to gather — in moments of loss, at times of celebration. We are not able to gather and be together as a community at Gallaudet or even with our own families.

But now, we must add what has been happening throughout this country with the death of George Floyd. We note his death, and Armaud Arbery’s and all the deaths before, and before, and before.

That pain, that suffering, that brutality, that collective disregard for human life that we are seeing again and again and again. It is creating pain, concern, empathy, and an unresolved energy.

Where is the change in the world that we need to see?

Where is the justice?

Where is the sense that we can change this experience for so many Black Americans and for Black people globally?

Say his name: George Floyd.

We cannot have peace without justice.

It is overwhelming. It is a lot. We need each other more than ever. We need to check in with one another, and especially with our colleagues who are people of color and who are black. Please reach out, and please show your support. This is a time when we need to show our support, love, and compassion for each other. I ask that of our community today and going forward.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Roberta J. Cordano
President