LETTER FROM OUR CEO: “The Attack on Human Rights”

Historically, February has been a month designated to honor and highlight the many milestones and achievements of Black leaders, innovators and creators. Right now, as we witness the attack on human rights across the country, it can cause us to question whether we have progressed at all.

From corporate offices to government agencies, we are seeing major challenges – or complete erasures, in some cases – of initiatives designed to create fair opportunities for marginalized communities. 

For years, advocates have fought to remove barriers and create equal opportunities for disadvantaged people – whether it be a physical disability, speech impediment, one’s gender or sexual orientation or simply being born Black. These policies have helped to create clear pathways to employment, education, housing and healthcare. These critical resources have ensured that individuals have an improved quality of life. When these resources are removed, we are reinforcing a cycle of poverty and incarceration that not only affects Black people but our world as a whole. 

While remembering and honoring Black History this month, remember those who fought back against systems that were not created equally. We must demand that employers, lawmakers and organizations continue investing in fair hiring and housing practices, reentry support and criminal justice reform. The cost of doing nothing is too great.

In Solidarity,

Syrita Steib

Founder, President & CEO

Operation Restoration