Community for Positive Aging Offers Message of Solidarity

Hollywood Senior Center would like to take a moment to acknowledge the brutal deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. These tragic events that have culminated in uprisings across the country have left us feeling raw, sad, angry and frustrated at our systems and policies that perpetuate systemic racism. We want to see change and know that we must all work together to eliminate disparities, counter hate, and achieve racial justice and equality.

In our own field of work, we are very aware of the grave disparities that older adults of color experience. This population faces the strongest barriers in accessing vital services. We are all aware of the practices and processes that brace up our economy and society, and even though rules and programs appear race-neutral or “fair” on the surface, they often impact people differently or unfairly.

We also want to acknowledge that although Hollywood Senior Center is an ally and a culturally responsive organization, we have much work to do to bring about change within our own organization.

We stand today in solidarity with those voicing anguish, anger, and frustration with systems that oppress and devalue Black lives. We are committed to making the necessary space to process and grieve these losses, and to do the work necessary for real change to take place.

Let us all take time to pause, acknowledge, and listen to those around us, and work to lift up the voices of peaceful protest and change.