We publish this statement of solidarity on behalf of the Emory Center for Digital Scholarship staff.
The Emory Center for Digital Scholarship expresses our sorrow and anger at the white supremacist violence targeted at Black people in Atlanta, Georgia, and across the United States. We mourn the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, David McAtee, and those killed in our state, including Ahmaud Arbery. We recognize that such white supremacist police violence is not new in our hometown of Atlanta, and in this moment we remember the previous murders of Black Atlantans, including Jimmy Atchison, Jamarion Robinson, Anthony Hill, and Kathryn Johnston, among many others. We also recognize that we are living through a pandemic, the damage from which has fallen disproportionately on Black Americans, thereby further highlighting the injustices and inequalities of our society. We stand in solidarity with those protesting police violence—and all other forms of racial oppression—and demanding accountability and meaningful change.
At ECDS we have supported digital scholarship that furthers social justice. We are committed, however, to better addressing the internalized racism and biases that influence our own work and processes. We endeavor to improve our communications and outreach to underserved individuals and communities and commit to centering equity in our efforts. ECDS vows to undertake the work required to affirm and support social justice in our work environment, teaching and training, and engagement with partner institutions, community partners, and not-for-profit organizations.
We will examine our project proposal processes to ensure transparency and accessibility. We are also committed to sharing data in a manner that reduces the risk of harm to individuals and vulnerable populations. We understand that social justice and change only come from sustained efforts, and we welcome your help in keeping us accountable. We also encourage suggestions on how we can better partner with the communities that most need our support and expertise.
Links to Resources (this list may be further updated with links; suggestions are appreciated and will be added to the list):
- Emory Office for Racial and Cultural Engagement (RACE): http://race.emory.edu/
- James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference (JWJI): http://jamesweldonjohnson.emory.edu/home/
- Emory Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): http://equityandinclusion.emory.edu/
- Emory Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): http://counseling.emory.edu/
- Open Educational Resources from Southern Spaces: https://southernspaces.org/educational-resources/
- Highlighted categories: African American Art and Aesthetic Experiences; Education Histories and Practices; Indigenous Souths; Politics and Government