To Our BeHeardPhilly Community
Recall for a moment that BeHeardPhilly is owned and operated by the Institute for Survey Research (ISR), at Temple University. ISR is 53 years old and was started in 1967 during times of social and political unrest in US history. The Vietnam War and the protests that followed, a Segregationist sworn in as Governor of Georgia, the Buffalo Race Riot, the Plainfield Riots in New Jersey, the 12st Street Riot, one of the worst riots in US history where 43 were killed, 342 injured and 1,400 buildings burned in Detroit. 1967 also saw Thurgood Marshall seated as the first African American Supreme Court Justice, and Loving v. Virginia where the US Supreme Court declares all US state laws prohibiting interracial marriage to be unconstitutional. Our commitment then was in understanding US social systems and individual beliefs and behaviors and the scientific pursuit of all voices being represented.
So here we are 53 years later, much has changed, and much hasn't. Over the last week we've mourned with so many, the loss of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others at the hands of racial injustice. We remain steadfast in our commitment that Black Lives Matter every day. We are doubling down on our commitment to listen and to allow all voices to be heard. We will continue in our pursuit to engage communities of color and all Philadelphians to tackle difficult questions and dialogues that lead to a better understanding of systemic racism and its long-term effects on the health, justice, and the social capital of our communities. We thank you for being a member of BeHeardPhilly and hope you will continue to engage on issues that matter to you and can affect public policy right here at home in Philadelphia.
Stay safe, be vigilant, and be kind.
