April 21, 2021 – A Message from ARCC’s Diversity Committee on the Derek Chauvin Trial
Yesterday, the trial of Derek Chauvin was watched, read, heard by many, both here in the United States and around the world. Many of us were holding our breath and held hope that the verdict was guilty against former Minneapolis police officer Chauvin, who murdered George Floyd last year.
When the judge read aloud, “Guilty” to all three counts, a sigh of relief was shared among those who showed solidarity in condemning police brutality. Chauvin’s sentencing is yet to be announced, but this moment is a small and momentous step in a long journey towards justice for the black community and other communities of color. The court decision brought accountability, but justice broadly defined has not yet been served. There is a lot more work to do, and we as individuals, community members, staff at Alum Rock Counseling Center and as a nation have responsibility to keep pushing for and making change. Justice will be measured by transformation – repair, actions, and compassion creating a world where the justice system is fundamentally changed.
While justice and accountability are not mutually exclusive, Tuesday’s verdict does send a message to those in power, that no one is above the law, even those that act in service of the law. Justice would mean that Gianna Floyd would still have her father alive and well. Justice would mean every person of color not feeling uneasy and scared whenever they are stopped by police for a minor traffic violation. Justice would mean that it wouldn’t take public outcry and rage to incite change in a system that is clearly failing persons/communities of color over and over again.
We recognize the chronic psychological and emotional impact of violence, racism, injustice, and biases against BIPOC communities, and Alum Rock Counseling Center will continue to deepen and grow our social justice values and journey to help end systemic racism. In the days ahead please reach out for additional support, prioritize self-care, and lean on one another as we continue to do the work for a brighter future.
June 17, 2020 – Black Lives Matter: A Message from Our CEO
Dear Friends of ARCC,
Justice. Equity. Diversity. Respect. These are among the values and traditions that Alum Rock Counseling Center stands for.
In these past weeks, our nation and world witnessed the murder of a black man by a white police officer and felt some of the pain, anger, heartbreak and demand for change and justice that our black brothers and sisters have felt and asked for … for centuries. Our nation and our world are having soul-searching conversations and our protestors are insisting on real change.
In these past weeks, staff at Alum Rock Counseling Center have been having our own conversations in deepening and further defining our evolving identity, values and strategies in the context of historical and systemic racism. We will continue these conversations and develop and implement action plans within the context of our agency.
Alum Rock Counseling Center was originally founded to address inequities facing Latinx youth and families who were, for all intents and purposes, “falling through the cracks” of the legal, educational, and health systems due to lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate practitioners and services. We continue this work in today’s context, addressing trauma directly and indirectly caused by oppression and inequity.
Our youth and families want and need additional mental health and related support and Alum Rock Counseling Center stands ready to meet that need. We join the Equity Pledge initiated by a number of San Jose City Council members to ensure that equity is considered in policy development.
We support environments where all people are safe, respected and treated with kindness. We actively work to end injustice, including speaking up when bullying and violence are about to occur or are occurring. We strive for inclusion including our brothers and sisters in the LBGTQ community and other marginalized groups. We care for our kids and our community by listening, showing respect and collaborating to make change. And, we heal families and inspire youth to reach their full potential.
Let’s join together in healing so that all in this world can reach their full potential.
Black Lives Matter
Steve Eckert, CEO
Alum Rock Counseling Center