At the Virginia Poverty Law Center, racial injustice is inextricably linked to our work eliminating poverty in the Commonwealth. Our mission is to break down the systemic barriers that keep low-income Virginians in poverty. It must be recognized that poverty rates for Black and Latinx Virginians are roughly double that of white Virginians.

Therefore, we stand in solidarity with the Black community and all those seeking justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others who were murdered because they were racially profiled. We support all efforts to end police brutality and share in the grief and outrage felt throughout the nation.

We commit to supporting Black-led organizations and doing the necessary work to create racial equity. We know that much of our work would not be possible without the efforts and leadership of Black activists and the contributions of many people of color.

In keeping with our mission, we are committed to reforming institutions that fuel or perpetuate anti-Black racism that allow these injustices to persist. Through our tenets of advocacy, education, and litigation, we will continue working to ensure that all Virginians have equal access to justice, regardless of their skin color.

Black Lives Matter.

In solidarity,

VPLC Staff