Statement by Beth Myers, CEO, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas
June 3, 2020
Like many of you, I have been overcome by recent events in our country. The unnecessary and horrifying death of George Floyd has devastated and angered me. I repeatedly find myself gravely disturbed that racial injustice and inequality remain so prevalent in our society for minorities, especially our black sisters and brothers, gay and transgender people, and women and girls.
It’s easy to feel helpless and hopeless. However, we must not stay silent.
As I think about the girls we serve, I know they can achieve progress to eliminate the systemic racism that plagues our country. The next generation of girls must be empowered to use their voices to bring people together, listen to each other and work to solve the injustices that tear so many lives and communities apart. It must and can be done. Our girls are our hope for equality in the future.
I am heartened by the peaceful protests and all –particularly young people – who are using their voices to say “enough.” In Dallas, I see many throughout our community committing to real change. Our commitment to equality for all must remain firm even when today’s news headlines fade to other topics.
At Girls Inc., we will continue to equip our girls to courageously engage with the events of today. We commit to continue ensuring they attain the skills and tools to create an equal, empathetic society for future generations.
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”
-Martin Luther King Jr.