by Amanda Hightower
Dear Friends of REST,
In the last several weeks, there have been devastating videos widely shared that highlight the prevalence of our nation's racism, including the horrific murder of George Floyd, an unarmed African American man, by police officers. Following the release of this video, grief, anguish, and anger have overflowed throughout our country and world, leading to protests, riots, and demands for justice.
History shows that racism is embedded in our systems, actively and consistently working against Black, African-American, and brown individuals, and the current situation has heightened collective awareness. This moment in time provides an invitation for our entire nation to look at racism and oppression in our systems, culture, and for many of us, ourselves.
Tragically, at REST we see systemic racial injustice every day. In King County, which is approximately 6.2% Black and African American, 41% of the victims and survivors who engage with REST for services identify as Black. Additionally, countywide arrest data indicates that 80% of local sex buyers are white males. The disparity and injustice is enormous.
While we have made efforts over the last several years to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout REST, the bottom line is this: we simply have not done enough to address systemic racism. I consider this a failure on my part, and I commit to doing better. The leadership of REST, including the Board of Directors, is committed to solidarity on this and will be listening, learning, and taking action to integrate anti-racism work throughout our organization, starting with ourselves.
We each play a role in recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of Black lives. We have an individual responsibility to undo our own internalized racism, intentionally uphold the dignity of one another, and end injustice. REST has an organizational responsibility to shape its structure in a way that honors Black communities—and strives to that end.
Our underlying truth at REST is this: everyone is worthy of love. We believe this is particularly true for individuals who have been exploited, abused, oppressed, and mistreated. For our Black and African American clients who are disproportionately exploited in the sex trade, this is true. For our Black and African American staff and community that have been discriminated against and face racism daily, this is true. REST strives to undo those injustices and end racial abuses because Black lives matter.
Thank you for being a part of this movement with us.
Sincerely,
Amanda Hightower, Executive Director