The Oregon Counseling Association stands with the Black community.
We stand with the Black Lives Matter movement and denounce the pervasive targeting and murder of Black people by police, as well as the systemic racism that condones such actions rather than condemning them.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of victims of police and racial violence, and our solidarity with those who fight against it.
We recognize the physical and psychological trauma perpetrated on the Black community by repeated acts of violence and the generations of oppression that continue to enable such acts. We are committed to fighting systemic oppression in Oregon and across the country. We recognize the physical and psychological trauma perpetrated on the Black community by repeated acts of violence and the generations of oppression that continue to enable such acts.
To our Black, Indigenous, and POC counselors and communities—we stand with you.
To our White counselors—we have work to do. It is not enough to say we support our colleagues, our friends, our clients, and our fellow humans in these times. It is imperative that we use our privilege to usher in real change.
The day we will not need riots to call attention to the system of inequality will be the day we are already listening, learning, and enacting our solidarity.
It is all of our work to undo anti-Blackness, dismantle White supremacy, and advance racial justice.
It is our deepest hope that all of us will recognize the unique position we hold as mental health professionals. We are the most qualified to help our clients, our neighbors, our friends, and ourselves deconstruct the narrative of hate that perpetuates this violence.
We urge White counselors and allies to explore these resources:
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
103 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
Resources for White People to Learn and Talk About Race and Racism
Please also consider exploring more resources at Anti-racism: Activism Resources, Education, and Stories by Minna Lee.
It is also imperative that government officials in Oregon understand the position they must take in response to these atrocities. Contacting your representatives to voice your concerns and to demand that the appropriate actions be taken is a vital part of this fight. Please visit Oregon Legislator Lookup and search with your home address to find your representatives’ contact information.