BLACK LIVES MATTER
To our community:
For the last few months, we have gone through historically unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 and the civil protests against the death of George Floyd. We witnessed unacceptable acts of injustice, which have affected the Black and Afro-Latinx community. We stand against racial injustice. I would like to share a few words to acknowledge the impact of this crucial time and to reaffirm MOLAA’s strong commitment to support racial justice and equity for all. We share the grief of the recent deaths, and we emphatically condemn the violence and racism.
Like most of us who live in this great nation that was predominantly built by immigrants, I come from a family lineage of mixed ancestry. As a Puerto Rican and Latina woman, I was blessed to grow up in a working-class family with an adorable black grandmother who taught me from an early age to value communication and to approach life and the world with a deep sense of gratitude, justice, and social equality. Throughout history many people have worked and given their lives in the name of justice and social equality; however, it has evolved that power seems unequivocally held in the hands of a few.
Racism and discrimination are everywhere. This is a time for self-reflection and understanding and doing the necessary work to contribute to an equitable and just society. The transformational power of art, culture and diverse human expressions builds bridges across differences and helps us in our day-to-day lives. It is time for all of us to do our part to make a difference and to honor the extraordinary contribution and impact of the Black Community in the evolution of the human race.
As an art institution dedicated to the Latin American and Latino expression, MOLAA has the responsibility to be a gathering place of community, dialogue, solidarity, and justice for all. We truly believe art plays a critical role in providing opportunities to question, challenge and catalyze change. There is more work to do. The fabric of our social structure, culture, values, and democracy is at stake.
This is why our mission is more important than ever: to inspire, unite, and engage diverse communities and cultures.
Stay Safe. Stay Positive. Stay Strong.
Black lives matter.
In solidarity,
Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas,
Ph.D. President & CEO
Museum of Latin American Art
Celebrating Black Excellence
