Originally sent as an email to the Rosie community of talent on May 29, 2020
To our incredible Rosie community,
I am writing, personally, to share that We Are Rosie stands firmly alongside the Black community in grief, rage, and pain around the recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and George Floyd. We grieve the thousands of senseless deaths that came before them, we grieve for the daily dehumanization of Black people in our culture and at work, and we grieve for the deaths of those who will come next. I recognize that these murders are a symptom of hundreds of years of oppression, gaslighting, and otherization that has plagued our Black friends and loved ones. I understand that I personally have benefited from white supremacy and that it is my duty to rage like hell against it on a systemic level. As Elie Wiesel said, “Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
There are no words to describe the imagery of the insidious and overt ways we have let Black people down in America. Our entire country has gotten a front row seat into the horrors that Black communities face daily. As a nation, we are gravely overdue in showing up for our Black friends, family, and loved ones.
To the Black members of our community: I want to tell you that I care deeply about each one of you, and I want this to be a place you feel welcome, safe, and supported. We Are Rosie is dedicated to your success and care. We are actively considering the best ways to support you. We’re inspired by Ethel’s Club, who are hosting free virtual healing sessions for the Black community, as well as waiving their digital membership for a week. If there is anything we can do better, I am all ears – please reply to this email if you feel moved to do so.
To our non-Black community: I deeply care about this entire community. Our mission to change work at We Are Rosie is ultimately a mission to change the world by creating access and opportunity for everyone. And we believe that our own liberation is inextricably linked to the liberation of us all. I urge you to join me in stepping outside of our collective comfort zone and actively engaging in deep personal reflection and education about systemic oppression, participating in uncomfortable conversations, and donating energy and money to organizations on the front lines in the fight for justice. There is so much work to be done and are so many ways to get involved in the fight for freedom.
As Rihanna says, it’s time to pull up. Let’s do this.
Grounded in love,
Stephanie
Founder, We Are Rosie
