Black Lives Matter Information

We, The Dean Hope Center, acknowledge and proclaim that Black lives matter. We ask that you join us in saying their names: Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Rayshard Brooks and the names of all the other innocent Black victims who have died as result of systemic racism, police brutality, white supremacy, and marginalization. Throughout these past months, not only have we witnessed the racial disparities and inequalities that exist within our healthcare system in response to Covid-19, but we have witnessed the murders of innocent Black people simply for existing. Ahmaud Arbery was jogging, George Floyd was buying groceries, and Breonna Taylor was sleeping before their lives were brutally ended. This has led to a universal call for justice. Black Lives Matter protests have taken place throughout all 50 states and in 18 different countries, honoring the lives and legacy of Black victims, advocating for the eradication of legislation, systems, and institutions that perpetuate racism and are inherently violent, increasing the visibility of Black bodies and amplifying Black voices, and fighting for overdue human rights. We stand in solidarity with the Black community as we will do our part to dismantle systemic racism and oppression. Black lives matter and in saying so, we condemn all actions that are rooted in racism and hatred.

We understand that this has taken an unmeasurable toll on the Black community as they grieve, mourn, and demand justice while more horrific incidents of police brutality and blatant racism continue to surface. We understand that low-income communities of color have disproportionately been affected by Covid-19, physically, psychologically, and economically. Additionally, we recognize that this pandemic has exacerbated the immense pain and loss felt by the Black community as a result of systemic racism. Therefore, The Dean Hope Center will be offering psychological services for individuals who have been impacted by Covid-19 and/or any of the issues addressed by the Black Lives Matter movement, including but not limited to racism and police brutality. These services will be provided at low/waived costs throughout the summer. Furthermore, we are in the midst of creating a helpline for individuals who need emotional support.

Below, we have provided helpful links to guide you in supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. We also encourage those who can donate to our center to do so to help us keep our operations running. Thank you for your consideration. We are committed to serving communities of color and we hope you stand with us.