Black Lives Matter

This week we have seen the nation erupt in outrage over the death of George Floyd. Mr. Floyd was just the latest in a long list of black men and women killed under circumstances which, at their core, were enabled by our country's longstanding systemic racism. As the horrifying scene has played out on our screens and in our minds, we have mourned Mr. Floyd and all who have suffered due to racial hatred and injustice.

As a theatre community, OnStage Atlanta has always sought to model the behaviors of acceptance, support, and inclusivity. We have never tolerated racism. But today, OSA recognizes that if we are to serve our community properly, then we must serve our entire community in ways which go beyond the inaction of simply being non-racist. We must recognize the importance of being anti-racist and take action accordingly.

We recognize that our nation's responsibility to dismantle systemic racism and discrimination will be difficult. But we must not shrink from that effort, which is long overdue. Theatre as an art form has a long history of exploring and facilitating reconciliation and social justice, learning and teaching, and creating more realistic and inclusive narratives of the world around us. As we engage in the work of trusting and listening to one another which is at the heart of our art, we will seek opportunities to address these crucial issues amongst ourselves and within our wider community.

We know that we haven't always "gotten it right." We also know that as we seek to move beyond non-racism into active anti-racism, we may trip up again. We invite respectful dialogue as we seek to tell our stories and educate young artists in an atmosphere of understanding and justice.

As a company, OSA stands as an ally to black artists, students, volunteers, patrons, and all of our black brothers and sisters. We support the right to peacefully seek justice. We believe that black lives matter.

For further information:
· The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture - https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race/topics/being-antiracist
· Showing Up For Racial Justice - https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/

We are strongly urging our supporters to consider supporting these organizations:
· The George Floyd Memorial Fund - https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
· The Atlanta Solidarity Fund - https://actionnetwork.org/groups/atlanta-solidarity-fund
· Black Lives Matter - https://blacklivesmatter.com/
· NAACP - https://www.naacp.org/
· American Civil Liberties Union - https://www.aclu.org/