Standing in Solidarity–A Message from JLOEB’s 2020-21 Board of Directors

Dear Community,

 

The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc. (JLOEB) grieves the murder of George Floyd and other Black lives that have been tragically taken. These deaths were systemic and senseless. For us, they underscore the severity and violence of racism that communities of color experience every day.

 

As Junior League Leaders, we cannot stay silent and sit on the sidelines watching as our community feels the heaviness of grief. We stand with our Black members and communities who feel this like no other.

 

As an organization that believes in building better communities and strives for leadership excellence, many of us have asked what we can do. We as Junior League women strive to be civic leaders in our communities. We will do so not only by speaking out against racism, but by doing the work required of us to be anti-racist. We must be humble and vulnerable. We must speak out, and we must be visible. We have to know when to be quiet and listen—and equally important, when to speak up.

 

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor… If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” – Desmond Tutu

 

We raise our voice to unequivocally say that Black Lives Matter. We must give support to our Black members—and all members of color—neighbors, friends, coworkers, partners…and as an organization be an authentic ally in this fight for justice. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is as important as ever.

 

JLOEB is working to put together additional programming on how we can be agents of change in our community. Below are some of the items we are working on in the coming weeks and months.

 

  • A “Town Hall” style meeting on systemic racism in conjunction with other Bay Area Leagues
  • Leadership and Membership Trainings on Equity and Inclusion
  • A plan for how JLOEB can support local civil rights organizations and organizations that serve communities of color

 

We ask you to explore the resources listed below.. It is critical that as leaders in the community we are informed and educated on the topic of systemic racism. Thank you to the members who have shared these valuable resources.

 

Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc. 2020-21 Board of Directors

Julianne Averill, President

Emily Wasserman, President-Elect

Ericka Nicholes, Executive Vice President

Angela Wuerth, Treasurer

Clara Dellenbach, Secretary

Odette Vandaveer, Nominating Director

Shelby Swartz, Director of Community Impact and Outreach

Lisa Parker, Sustainer Director