The recent verdict in the case of the officer that murdered George Floyd marked an important milestone in our country’s continuing journey to justice, but we know that there is still a long way to go to create meaningful change in our communities. The verdict was bittersweet considering recent police involved shootings, including 13-year-old Adam Toledo in Chicago, and the mass shooting that killed six women of Asian descent in Atlanta, which has added to the countless acts of anti-Asian violence during the pandemic. We offer our full support to our planners of color, who are understandably having a difficult time, both personally and professionally, as they process issues of injustice rooted in racism and xenophobia.

As a planning community, we have much more work to do to acknowledge that all people deserve to be heard, respected, and valued, particularly as violence like this continues in communities that are so important to us. We hope that our members are finding ways to heal and learn during these difficult times. If you want to give back and learn more, APA-IL is addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion through ourPlanners Anti-Racism & Equity Toolbox, Speakers Directory, and the diverse array of voices in our upcoming events and programming. We know that these tools alone are only part of the journey forward. The task of dismantling racist systems relies on each of us as individuals to make change, particularly those with the power and privilege to do so. APA-IL is committed to bringing light to these important issues and supporting planners throughout the state.

We need to keep making progress in our neighborhoods and in our state until the day when our planning community truly serves all residents of Illinois. We look forward to continuing to work alongside you to get this done.