‘Join the Fight’: An Open Letter from MPEG’s Diversity Committee -

[In June, as protests raged nationwide after the killing of George Floyd, members of MPEG’s Diversity Committee offered a statement on confronting systemic racism. It’s reprinted here. – Ed.]

Dear Members of the Motion Pictures Editors Guild,

While we continue to grieve the tragic murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, members of Local 700 have been sharing their reactions to police brutality and systemic racism. As members of the Diversity Committee, we want you to know:

We hear you. We understand you. We are proud that you are speaking out.

Remaining silent perpetuates the problem. We are encouraging all of our members, regardless of race or ethnicity, to join the fight to eradicate racism by holding ourselves accountable for promoting inclusive environments and actively working towards long-term solutions.

The Diversity Committee of the Motion Picture Editors Guild will always support our African-American brothers and sisters. We will continue our efforts to positively impact their lives. We believe Black Lives Matter. That doesn’t mean all other lives don’t matter. Rather, it is a commitment to recognize the unfair treatment of Black people, their under-representation in our workplaces, and to eliminate inequities in our justice systems.

We want to go beyond hashtags and social media support. It is time to back up our beliefs with action.

If you want to contribute to these efforts, please reach out to diversity@ editorsguild.com.

WAYS YOU CAN TAKE
ACTION TODAY

Speak up about the hiring of Black post professionals, and make a point to hire and recommend Black colleagues, especially if you are a department head.

Mentor up-and-coming Black post professionals.

Contact your company’s HR to report racist behavior at your worksite, whether you are a victim or a witness. It’s important to get it on the record.

Attend events sponsored by the Diversity Committee to learn more about others’ experiences and what you can do to be more inclusive.

Contact your Field Rep to report racist behavior at the worksite. It’s important to make your union aware.

Ibram Kendi Wants to Redefine Racism
(“The Ezra Klein Show” podcast)

“1619”
Podcast from The New York Times


Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You The 1619 Project (New York Times Magazine)	How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi		How to Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal M. Fleming
Campaign Zero’s “8 Can’t Wait” Project wants to bring immediate change to police departments.		So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeomo Oluo
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