‘No one is free when others are oppressed.’ Martin Luther King Jr.
We are Action Ridge and our purpose is to promote principles of democracy: inclusion, respect, equity and the health of our planet. We believe that truth matters. The truth is that racism is wrong, painful and hurts everyone. The truth is racism exists and denying it and blaming others does nothing to change the truth or the systems that perpetuate policies of injustice.
In 2016, the divisive, fear mongering, and oppressive tactics seen in the presidential campaign shifted many of our perspectives. A few of us pledged to work together to affect change. And so we formed the social activist group, open to all, now known as Action Ridge. As a group and individually we work to build a Beloved Community in Park Ridge and beyond.
As mostly white, middle class and middle or upper aged individuals, we acknowledge our lack of understanding of what our sisters and brothers of color face every day. We do know that for each person brutally treated and killed because of racial bias, the pain grows and radiates outward. The names George, Ahmaud, Breonna, and many others, are now tragically familiar and each represents a family, a story, a beloved life lost. We grieve and hurt with our sisters and brothers of color.
Our goal is to continue to respect, include, see & listen to each other. But, importantly, we act. Some of our actions include a diversity group learning about racial injustices, working on fair and affordable housing practices in our community, advocating to reduce gun violence and more. Please join us at actionridge2017@gmail.com to stand with us in action against racial injustice.
Nan Parson and Liz Swanson
actionridgepr.com 