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Black Lives Matter It is one of the cornerstone tenets of The Playwrights Center of San Francisco: Acceptance of all. Our organization welcomes all playwrights. We believe everyone must be given the freedom and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Like the dream of being part of a collaborative and supportive community of writers. Or the dream of getting a quality education. Or getting equal pay for equal work. Of having access to adequate medical care. Or being treated with respect by others. Being allowed to breathe. To live. Black Lives Matter. It is not a slogan. It is a fact. One that must be accepted, valued, and fought for. PCSF is an artistic organization; our mission is not political. But neither was the death of George Floyd political. He was not making a statement. The death of Breonna Taylor was not a political statement. Neither were the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, and so many others. They were just trying to live. But they were not given that opportunity. And so PCSF cannot remain silent in the face of the unacceptable. Our organization values diversity – we welcome it, and seek it out. Diversity makes us stronger, smarter, and more effective in all we do. If we do not accept that, we all suffer. And so PCSF stands in solidarity with those who assert that Black Lives Matter. We state unequivocally that no group of people should be systematically denied the opportunities afforded to others. No group of people should be marginalized and oppressed, by use of policy or violence. But statements are not enough if they do not lead to action. Part of dismantling the systemic racism within American society, as well as within the theatre community, is to be willing to reflect critically on ourselves. PCSF recognizes that we have fallen short as an organization when it comes to reflecting the diversity of the Bay Area. We must do better. We commit to educating ourselves, to listening to our community, and to taking steps to bring new and diverse voices to our membership and board. All PCSF members, partners and supporters are encouraged to help make the goals of Black Lives Matter a new reality for our country. Please consider joining a protest, signing a petition, donating money, supporting Black-owned businesses, and educating yourself and your friends and families about how we all can fight against systemic racism. For more information on how you can help, check out the following resources: Theatre Bay Area Stands In Solidarity Official George Floyd Memorial Fund Minnesota Freedom Fund website American Civil Liberties Union website Updated 8/5/20 |