We are here with you
Center on Halsted Statement Release Date: January 7, 2021
Our country now bears witness to the loss of one life and multiple injuries to others stemming from one of the most shameful events in American history on January 6th, 2021. The headlines are ones few thought we would see in our lifetime: armed supporters of the President of the United States stormed Capitol Hill, breaching the Capitol Building. While our Congress was in the midst of debate over counting the Electoral College votes, protestors stormed the Capitol Building causing the House and Senate to be evacuated. Streaming videos of maskless, lawless Trump supporters rioting in our capitol underscores the vile inconsistencies that divide this country.
As just on January 5th, 2021, over 3,600 people died from COVID-19, many hospitals are at capacity and health officials predict more dire days ahead. People are asking pivotal questions like, ‘imagine if that were Black Lives Matter protesters’? and ‘where was the National Guard for these protests?’
The question that is plaguing many of us is, “Where is the hope?” It is in community. We condemn the violence of today’s protests, based on false information and misplaced anger, and we support President-elect Biden in his belief that, “The scenes of chaos at the capitol do not reflect a true America, do not represent who we are.” Together, we are the hope we need in these days. Center on Halsted has been working at capacity to help our community navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and has been endeavoring to do our part in the continuing the movement toward racial reckoning. We have engaged for years in fighting for the rights and respect of LGBTQ+ individuals and have dedicated years to the health and well-being of our communities.
Center on Halsted has dedicated our work to reflect the remarkably diverse LGBTQ+ community of Chicagoland. Our staff and leadership are here to offer our support, whether through just being able to connect with another person or in offering services. We are here with you to bear witness to the power of our communities and the resilience of hope.
In Community,
Modesto Tico Valle
CEO, Center on Halsted
