A Message From the Bronx African American History Project and Bronx COVID-19 Oral History Project:

Pain. Anger. Frustration. Fear. We at the Bronx COVID-19 Project stand in solidarity with our fellow Bronxites who have taken to protest on the streets once again, to remind America that Black Lives Matter. We stand in solidarity with those who are active participants in the fight against racial injustices in this country. We stand with the black, brown, and immigrant communities of the Bronx who have lived in fear of police brutalization for far too long. We feel your pain, anger, and frustration and we will continue to do everything in our power to amplify your voices and stories. While COVID-19 continues to expose the inequalities and disparities which run rampant through our country’s health care system, the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade in these past weeks magnify the same racist ideals which run rampant through our nation’s police departments. All too many police officers that are sworn to serve and protect the people continue to terrorize protesters, and put the lives of unarmed black men and women at risk. Time after time. Year after year. Quite frankly, the people have had enough. We stand in solidarity with the people of the Bronx who make the BAAHP and the Bronx COVID-19 Project what it is. Our work does not end with the interviews we conduct. This is an everyday fight and struggle towards a more just society, one that values black lives. This past week’s newscycle has left a deep emotional scar on our city, we will mourn together and more importantly, we will come out of this a more resilient community—ready to continue the fight towards justice.