Joint Statement by Three Ethnic Commission Chairs 

We, the Chairs of three ethnic commissions of Michigan – Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs, and Hispanic Latino Commission, join with the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II in expressing empathy and concerns for people in communities of color across the nation and right here in Michigan who are feeling a sense of exhaustion and desperation. We stand in solidarity with our communities seeking equitable justice for everyone in our state. We cannot live in a society and a country where our rights and our dignity are not equal for all.

We also echo a very powerful message by Lt. Gov. Gilchrist II that we must summon the courage and self-discipline to confront the current crisis in non-violent ways that we know are impactful to confront injustice.

We believe we must do all we can to learn, to understand, to listen and try to deeply empathize, especially with those who know the sting of death and racism far deeper than us. And, we will strive to become change agents individually and collectively for the betterment of all. 

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