Nevada PEP stands in solidarity with the black community and all those affected by the most recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmed Aubrey, among far too many others. We recognize the prevailing systemic racism that endures our nation’s past and present and acknowledge the injustices that have occurred. These incidents and the systems that support their occurrences cry out for a change that demands equity.

As a disability organization, we acknowledge that, historically, the Disability Rights community and the Civil Rights community have stood together and advocated against discriminatory practices on the basis of sex, religion, gender, race, disability, or age. One of the most famous examples of our unity was the historic 504 Sit-in of 1977. We will continue to uphold this legacy as part of our mission and are committed to creating an inclusive community. We also will uplift the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities who are also black because their voices too often go unheard.

We pledge to our community that we will continue educating ourselves, listening, and working together to create communities where each and every person can thrive. We will continue fighting for an equitable world that provides access and values all persons equally.