CGS and racism: Our vision for change

“Together you can redeem the soul of our nation” John Lewis
07/30/2020

The Center for Group Studies community is horrified to see once more the blatant brutalization and death of another African-American person. Moreover, we cannot continue to tolerate the more subtle forms of racism which also injure and dehumanize significant segments of our population. In the wake of protests against racism and the abuse of force across our country and abroad, we at CGS are compelled to make our voices heard.

We abhor the racism that continues as the terrible legacy of slavery in our country.

We grieve for those who lost their lives in these remorseless and senseless actions.

We grieve for their families

We grieve for our nation.

Historical and recent events are awakening an urgency to act for enduring change. Here at CGS, we have an abiding commitment to the principle that within the group, every person has the opportunity to find and develop their own individual voice.

Toward that end, CGS is dedicated to a three-pronged approach:

First, as professionals, we must be conscious and remain conscious of how our own implicit biases can affect our work. We renew our obligation to listen, to hear and to broaden our views.

Second, as an organization we will review and revise our mission, expand our educational materials and our community to encompass greater diversity. Our aim is to reflect a closer representation of the inclusive nation we value.

Third, as a community across our nation and in our internationally based work, we will continue to amplify our mission, values and commitment to accomplishing the long overdue changes that we espouse.

Having enunciated our goals, we are committed to an ongoing process in our training organization. The heroic life of John Lewis is an inspiration to us in our vision for change. Our action plan is now being developed.

The Board and Faculty
The Center for Group Studies
New York, New York

8.1.20