Jun. 17, 2020: The unabated protests of the last weeks and months have revealed strong emotions running through our society. We have seen it in our own community with several events to honor the Black Lives Matter movement being organized in the last two weeks. We applaud the young people of this town. You are shining examples of the children we want to raise.

The senseless death of George Floyd, and the social unrest that followed it, highlights the structural racism that plagues our country. The brutal deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and many others have forced us to deeply question our country's notions of racial progress and equity.

Bronxville is not immune. Like many towns in America, Bronxville's historical position on matters of inclusion and equity has not met the standards we hold today. It is clear that history is testing Bronxville to determine which side we will now take: the side that stands with equity, justice, and inclusion or something else. Our younger generation has chosen their side.

Martin Luther King Jr. once stated, "We are tied in the single garment of destiny; caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." While this speech was made in 1968, it still bears relevance today. Race-based inequalities and injustices remain unresolved in our country, and this affects all of us, directly or indirectly.

We are proud to be a part of a community where people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences find belonging, meaning, and connection. After the last several weeks, we need to continue to stand with one another – both in these tough times, and moving forward. The network of mutuality that makes us a community goes well beyond Bronxville's borders. We stand strongest when we stand together with family, friends, and fellow humanity who stand for justice and equity. We are allies.

Dr. King also said, "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." He was speaking to us. This is the time when we must demonstrate that we believe in the messages of justice and equity that are part of the Black Lives Matter movement. Doing so places us on the right side of history for ourselves, our community, and our children.

Let us all follow in the footsteps of our high school students. Bronxville will come together on Saturday, June 20th, at 10 am. We will bring together our residents, our friends and families, our school, our churches, and our local government to walk from Leonard Morange Square down Pondfield Road to the Village Hall, where we will hear from speakers about their experiences and together mourn the many tragic deaths with a moment of silence.

Join us for this Unity Walk in Support of Black Lives Matter. Please wear a mask and practice safe social distancing.

If you cannot make it, we encourage you to let your voice be heard by posting a Black Lives Matter message on your front lawn as both of us have.

Your neighbors,

Jon Beer and Miki Kapoor