This letter was distributed to our entire e-mailing list and posted on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on June 1, 2020:
This week, we have once again seen the United States gripped by violent racist acts. For too long, Black Americans have been forced to live in fear, their day-to-day lives clouded by systemic racism at every level of American life. In order for this country to achieve its unrealized promise, in order for each of us to approach our human potential, this must stop.
Here at BETC, we acknowledge that we have much further to go, as an organization and as individuals. But to every Black American we say: we see you, we hear you, we stand with you. Every one of your lives is precious. Every one of your lives matters.
To the White members of the BETC family, we say now is the time to act. Stand up. Speak out. Confront racism wherever you see it: in your communities, in your families, in the mirror.
No words adequately describe the pain of this moment. And the road ahead promises more pain and more anguish as we confront this stain on our nation. But together, with love in our hearts, we can and will find a better way. We must. We have no other choice.
Joanna Rosenblum (Vice President) retired from a 24-year career at Hewlett-Packard as Vice President and General Manager of Print Services in Palo Alto. She has an MBA in Finance from University of Texas in Austin. She and her husband, Mark, chose to retire in Boulder to enjoy the hiking and winter sports, and to take advantage of the many educational and cultural events offered by CU. They have been subscribers to BETC since moving to Boulder in 2007 and are delighted to have such excellent theater in their home town.