Dear LRA Family and Friends,

 

Once again, we as a nation are grieving the loss of life in both Buffalo and Orange County.  This systemic, racist and political/ethnic violence has far reaching and life-altering impacts, not only for the families and communities who are mourning the unconscionable death of their loved ones and neighbors, but for all of us—it changes our journey in this world, our relationships, our identities, our actions.

 

As you know, LRA has been dutiful in releasing several strong statements in past years about such ugly and violent acts against persons of color by white supremacists and other extremist persons, including “The role of literacy research in racism and racial violence (2016); “Statement against anti-Black racism, anti-Black violence, and all forms of racism and violence (2020);” “Statement against anti-Asian violence (2021);” and the most recent LRA research report Racial justice in literacy research (2022).  All of these statements can be accessed on the LRA website.

 

There is no doubt that as an organization of caring, morally responsible professionals, we stand in solidarity with other educational organizations in grieving the loss of our fellow human beings and condemning such racially-motivated violence.  Our Mission Statement is clear:

 

We are deeply saddened by the continued tragedies incurred disproportionately by our Black, Indigenous, Latinx, [and Asian and LGBTQIA+] communities. We cannot sit by in silence. We call for renewed dedication of our scholarly talents to call out racism and injustices and support equitable, inclusive, anti-racist educational practices and spaces. 

 

Each of us play critical roles in our communities and collegial circles, promoting racial justice and peace, being like professional leaven, as it were, effecting the spread of hope, goodwill, compassion, and justice in whatever way we deem best.  So, while we mourn, let us resolve to do better in making the world a more safe and nurturing space for all peoples.

 

On behalf of the LRA Board of Directors,

David Yaden

President, Literacy Research Association

 

VJ Mayor, CAE

Executive Director, Literacy Research Association