We trust that you and your loved ones are safe. It is with heavy hearts and hope that we reach out to you at this time. We are deeply disturbed by the incomprehensible injustices and escalation of tensions during an already troubled period in history. We are devastated by the recent deaths of George Floyd, and before him, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others whose killings are less well publicized. We cannot sit idly by while such violence against our fellow citizens continues and as a group we are united in seeking a path of understanding and cooperation.
At Group Rep, we believe that equity and justice are mandatory to be a part of a functioning community. We recognize that words and speeches and postings are not enough; action is what brings about true change. It is artistically necessary that our programming values the lives, safety, humanity and dignity of everyone in our community. As a 46-year old, all-volunteer, Non-Profit intimate theatre — whose community is strengthened by diversity — we pledge to focus on projects and programming that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all our theatrical endeavors.
We will start by analyzing our community engagement for ways we can make a difference. On social media, we will ensure that our posts speak to the diversity of the work and voices of our talented actors, writers, directors and designers. We will seek help and guidance to educate and encourage the Group Rep membership to embrace anti-Racism and to view all of our artistic expressions through the lens of equality, diversity, inclusion and access.
We will start by analyzing our community engagement for ways we can make a difference. On social media, we will ensure that our posts speak to the diversity of the work and voices of our talented actors, writers, directors and designers. We will seek help and guidance to educate and encourage the Group Rep membership to embrace anti-Racism and to view all of our artistic expressions through the lens of equality, diversity, inclusion and access.
Black lives matter. We must each be part of the solution here in North Hollywood and the world.
We encourage you to explore ways of taking your own actions, both in looking inward and supporting those organizations who’ve been fighting this fight for many years. Here is just a small sampling of the organizations and causes that could use our immediate collective support:
- Black-Owned Businesses in Los Angeles
- NAACP Legal Defense Fund
- The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California
- Center for Policing Equity
- The George Floyd Memorial Fund
Lastly, we implore everyone to ensure they and their circles of influence are registered to vote.
Doug Haverty
Artistic Director
THE GROUP REP
Recent Comments