A Special Message From HACR’s President and CEO, Cid Wilson, in the Wake of the Mass School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas

May 26, 2022 /3BL Media/ - I am deeply saddened by the mass shooting in Uvalde, TX, which led to the loss of 19 elementary school children and two teachers. Our prayers and sympathies go to the families and Uvalde community impacted by this senseless shooting. Our schools should be a safe haven for the growth and wellbeing for all children. No child or parent should ever have to worry about the safety of their children in our schools.

This tragic shooting happened just days after the mass shooting in a Buffalo, NY shopping center targeting African Americans and a church in Laguna Woods, CA, targeting Asian Americans.

It’s been nearly three years since the El Paso mass shootings targeting Latinos, four years since the Pittsburgh shootings targeting Jewish Americans, seven years since the mass shooting in Charleston, SC, targeting African Americans, and nine years since the mass shooting at Sandy Hook elementary school in Connecticut. We, as a society, cannot accept these shootings and acts of violence as normal in America.

HACR and many allies of inclusion are working diligently to address the challenges in our otherwise great nation by focusing on the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of society. We cannot ignore the role that hate-media plays in promoting and facilitating these hate-driven acts of violence. While we commend the many corporations who do not advertise on anti-diversity media platforms, we – again – call on all companies to review with whom they advertise to ensure they are not directly or indirectly funding media platforms that promote false, prejudicial information which contributes to the growth of hate crimes and violence.

These challenges in our society will not be resolved on their own. We must continue to raise our voices to call for change that will lead to a safer society for all.

With gratitude and compassion,

Cid Wilson