On this National Day of Service in which we celebrate the extraordinary legacy of a man who fought relentlessly for justice, inclusion, and fairness for all; we, Perth Amboy Artworks condemn the self-serving actions, lies, racism, misogyny and divisiveness that culminated in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. As we consider the events of that day within the context of the past four years, we decry the public rise of white supremacy and any politics that derive their support from contorting facts and the law, and from denigrating communities of color, women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community.
More broadly, we denounce both systemic and overt racism that makes marginalized peoples more vulnerable to disease, poverty, police abuse, and overall injustice.
As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, we, Perth Amboy Artworks, vow to continue to serve the diverse Perth Amboy community through the arts to stimulate growth and development; and, through these very efforts, promote the kind of social healing and outlook that may make Perth Amboy an evermore just and inclusive city where all people– regardless of who they are, how they look, where they come from, or who they love–thrive.