A Statement from our CEO Beth Holger

Date: 1/12/2021

From: Beth Holger, CEO

“The events that have been unfolding in the past week are not a political issue. It is not about one political party or another. It is about the long standing issue of white supremacy and all forms of oppression in this county.

The people that stormed the capital are NOT protestors. They do not support law and order. They are white supremacists and domestic terrorists among other things.

I like many others who identify as white and know that racism is alive and well – still – found myself horrified and shocked learning about the attack on our nation’s capital. In thinking more, listening more and learning (special thanks to those of you who identify as BIPOC in my life along with my Pastors from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church) realized I should not have been surprised at all. It is my White Privilege that made me feel surprised. For people who identify as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Color the attack last week was just the latest attack.

The Link was founded by Black leaders within our community (Jim Marshall and Oscar Reed) and our mission has always stayed true to their original vision which is to work with youth and families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice. We have always been committed to our mission and to work alongside those community, state and national efforts to dismantle all forms of hate and oppression. We continue to be inspired to partner with all of you to dismantle all forms of hate and oppression.

Change is possible. Love is more powerful than hate.

Please take good care of yourselves and your loved ones during this time and always.”