Over the past three months, COVID-19 has significantly impacted many communities in the country, including our own, and a lot of people have died and a lot more are suffering. How the disease affects our communities has also brought into public view some of the critical racial inequities that have existed in our country long before COVID-19.  

The corona virus pandemic has highlighted health inequities that bring disproportional harm and suffering to our communities of color. And, these issues faced by communities of color are not just health related but broadly impact economics, housing, food security, and mental health to name a few critical areas. Therefore, to support our community during this crisis, NBT shifted its focus to define and implement support and recovery strategies. Our intent is to help those now who need immediate help and then to focus on the critical systemic flaws in our social and economic systems that leave many of New Brunswick’s residents marginalized.

Now, what we have seen over the last week, sparked by the brutal and shocking deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, have forced us all to examine the role that structural racism and discriminatory practices play in our society. These murders have shaken our nation to its core, demonstrating the everyday danger of being black in America.  

Recently, NBT participated in the national “Blackout Tuesday” social media demonstration, in deference to the protests against racial inequalities and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Consistent with our mission, we stand with the black community, and all oppressed minority communities, and we will continue to amplify the voices and ideas that will lead us to a more equitable society.

As community leaders, we all have a responsibility to lead by example and take bold action in partnership with the communities we serve. For NBT, the conversation has been ongoing for years; however, now -- more than ever -- we will… and we must: 

• Acknowledge and speak out against all forms of racism, discrimination, and bias;
• Stand in solidarity with our black community;
• Support those who need help now so that they don’t unduly suffer;
• Focus on making New Brunswick a more equitable place by driving systemic change in our social, economic, healthcare and other public systems.

I invite you to hold me accountable for these commitments, and I will partner with anyone who is committed to a more just and equitable society. Moreover, I am committed to harnessing our resources to catalyze meaningful and lasting solutions.

NBT stands against racism and hate in ALL its forms. We can no longer be bystanders. We must not be silent.

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Sincerely,

Jaymie Santiago

President

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