Dear Caminar Community,

Like all of you, I am deeply troubled by the horrific, racially motivated murder of 10 people and the wounding of three others in Buffalo last weekend. Two years ago, I wrote to you about the intolerable trauma of racism and the continued acts of racism, violence, and murder of African Americans that are lethal and insidious challenges to the dignity and health of our communities.

For Black staff and clients in particular, and other BIPOC staff and clients, the menace of the ideology that the murderer adhered to raises fundamental issues of safety. While Buffalo is 2,600 miles away, to many in our community, Buffalo feels like next door. As we process this latest tragedy, we must commit to working harder than ever to root out racism, white supremacy, and hate. I think I can speak on behalf of our community that we stand with you in solidarity, as well as the demand for justice that is not just about the perpetrator, but addressing the beliefs and systems that foster an environment that allowed this act to be committed.

Let us recommit to action together around advancing racial equity, celebrating diversity, and removing barriers to inclusion and belonging. Please be gentle with yourselves and seek out support if you need it. Thank you for your supporting your colleagues, the clients we serve, and our community in this difficult time.

In support,
Mark Cloutier
Caminar CEO