June 8, 2020
Over the past 14 years, the South Asian Studies Institute has committed itself to listen, learn and work in our communities to oppose oppressive systems and acts of aggression like casteism and racism against vulnerable populations. We are committed to undertaking the work to dismantle systemic white privilege and power, to confront all levels of racism, undertake decolonization and work with others to fight oppressions we encounter.
We acknowledge the deep emotions that are evoked by the slow acknowledgement of Canada’s own racist past and present and the systemic structures that continue to uphold and perpetuate the status quo. In this hour of revolution against anti-blackness, we stand with #BlackLivesMatter.
As people of colour, we acknowledge that we have a role to play in affecting systemic change, as we work to understand our own privilege and societal struggles.
Statements matter, but action matters more. For those who benefit from the current system, this is the time to mute your demands and amplify Black voices, acknowledge the intense pain, join the fight and lend support.
Let’s stand up and be counted.
Please find ways to act on eliminating the impacts of systemic oppression in Canada and elsewhere. Take action.
At this time, if you can, you might consider donating to organizations such as these
https://blacklivesmattervancouver.com/
https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory
https://m4bl.org/policy-platforms/
#BlackLivesMatter
Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains, Director
Sharanjit Kaur Sandhra, Coordinator