To the TB Alliance family:
The killing of George Floyd has brought the United States and much of the rest of the world to an agonizing moment in history.
As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now living through the strain of confronting racial injustice, and the struggle to process a wide range of feelings from shock and outrage to powerlessness.
Our beliefs and policies are clear: TB Alliance condemns racism in all its forms. This means everywhere, be it inside or outside the organization, in the US, South Africa or anywhere else, and throughout all communities we serve as we pursue our vision of a TB-free world.
No words can change what has happened, but I am committed to taking steps to ensure that TB Alliance is completely free from racism and discrimination and ensure that we can address racism and discrimination more broadly. Out of a deep concern for each of you, I want you to know that I am available, along with each of the other members of the Senior Management Team, to listen, learn how you are being impacted, and formulate ideas for how we can contribute to meaningful change.
Several initiatives are being explored, and more information on some of these will be available in the Spotlight newsletter next Wednesday. There is ample opportunity for anyone willing to get involved in fostering a dialogue and enabling practical, concrete action to do so.
Please reach out to me or anyone within the organization if we can provide support.
Best, Mel