On June 5th ASLA, with help of The Black Landscape Architects Network (BlackLAN), released a statement joining with millions around the world mourning the racialized murder of George Floyd. They pledged to deepen their partnership with BlackLAN and to build a sustainable plan of action to help guide the profession and address the wants and needs of black communities.
The ASLA SoCal Chapter shared this message on our website, e-blasts, and social media to proclaim solidarity with ASLA. We were pleased to see ASLA worked with BlackLAN to craft the message and made the choice to share that statement versus crafting our own.
In addition, BlackLAN released a separate statement that brings necessary attention to historical acts of violence and racism resulting in black people being murdered and their neighborhoods destroyed. BlackLAN states, “These events all speak to a need for our nation and our profession to truthfully reconcile the legacy of systemic racism and violence rooted in landscapes of institutional slavery. The continued refusal to reconcile this legacy does not pay respect to the role black people played in creating American landscapes. “
Our Chapter stands with ASLA and BlackLAN and their calls to action. As your leadership, we are committed to moving forward to build equity and to do our part to put an end to the systemic racism that has been a truth for far too long.
What actions would you like to see the Chapter take? What actions will you take in your offices and individually?
This is a time for honesty, education, and reflection. Your answers and comments to a few questions will help us shape our ASLA SoCal Call to Action. As a starting point, we have included potential actions on the survey. Comment on and add your own suggestions. We ask you complete the survey by July 6th. We are committed to having our Call to Action completed July 22nd.
Click Here to take the short survey
