The recent events in our country have brought a range of emotions and thoughts, as no one is left untouched by the tragic and violent killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless other names on a list of thousands as we struggle with centuries-old issues of racial and social injustice. The mission of the Center for Civic and Community Engagement (CCE) has and continues to be, to use community engagement as a tool to promote more equity, understanding, diversity, and inclusion. The CCE respects the dignity and value of all human beings, and our learning community is committed to engaging in conversations that matter, so that together, we might seek a more loving, just, and equitable world for all. Although we might be physically distanced from one another, let us be connected in our commitment to developing critical thinkers for the critical times in which we live. As we struggle with the real pain and hardships associated with issues like COVID-19, massive unemployment, and racial injustice - remember our capacity to listen, love, and support each other during this time.  

 

Please see below a statement from Dean of Campus Life, Enku Gelaye:

Campus Life Colleagues,
Sharing the pain, grief, and rage of so many of our neighbors around the country, we find ourselves in an all-too-familiar place as we struggle with centuries-old issues of racial and social injustice. These issues speak to who we are as a nation, what we aspire to be, and why some members of our society have been denied basic human and civil rights for so long.

The tragic death of Georgia resident Ahmaud Arbery recalls our nation’s bitter legacy of brutality toward Black people and other marginalized communities. We speak the names of Ahmaud, Breonna Taylor, and now George Floyd – names on a list of thousands of human beings violently killed for being Black. We also speak Christian Cooper’s name and recognize the ways in which systemic racism and racist hostility lead to unjustified deaths.

For months, we have grappled with the magnitude of COVID-19 ‘s disproportionate impact on people with low incomes, underlying conditions, and inadequate health insurance, including our Black, Latinx, Asian, and Native American neighbors. Now, we grieve and remember Ahmaud, Breonna, and George.

As members of the Emory community, let us underscore our will to effect change and our solidarity with the families mourning their loved ones. Individually and together, it is important to commit to self-awareness, education, compassion, and an understanding of how these injustices continue to undermine community wellness and our important work of creating equitable learning and working spaces for all students and staff.

Our journey ahead will continue to be challenging, but let us recall the words of Bryan Stevenson in his commencement address to Emory.

"Hope is a powerful force. Hope will sometimes make you stand up, even when people say, 'Sit down.' It will make you speak, even when people say, 'Be quiet,’” he reminded us. “I am persuaded today that we shall overcome, despite the complexity and challenges of the moment.”

I invite you to join me and other members of our university community in a virtual vigil in remembrance of Ahmaud and other victims of racial violence.To register, visit the link below 

Sincerely,
Enku

Emory University is an integral part of our local and global community, and so are the students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community partners who bring our programs to life.

Programs that make a difference

We support and prepare students to further develop into global citizens that are socially responsible, critically aware, and meaningfully engaged through our breadth of service opportunities. Roughly 83% of Emory’s student body is involved in service across the community—service has been part of the DNA of the university since its inception. Alumni and faculty are an integral part of the effort. The following programs offer impactful engagement opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni. Together, we are making a difference. Everyday.

Building community never quits. It’s daily, year-round, nonstop effort. Here’s where we’re focused right now.