The killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many other Black Americans has rightfully stirred grief and anger across our nation. The Trust for Public Land stands against racism and the racial violence that has long plagued this country and continues to threaten the lives and livelihoods of Black people as well as Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous, and other communities of color.

We believe everyone needs to feel safe and welcome on our streets and in our schools, in our parks, and on our public lands. Every person should be able to express their beliefs in peaceful protest and public demonstration. But the events of recent days and weeks plainly show that in America, too many are too often denied these rights based solely on the color of their skin.

For nearly 50 years, The Trust for Public Land has worked alongside communities to preserve cultural landmarks and parks important to the rich and diverse history of America. Whether it’s the years of persistence and collaboration to create the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, the Kashia Coastal Reserve in Northern California, the Stonewall National Monument in New York City, or the work today with communities in Wenatchee, Washington; Maywood, California; Bridgeport, Connecticut; Queens, New York; or the Grays Ferry neighborhood of Philadelphia—each of these places represent the extraordinary diversity of the American story.

The Trust for Public Land’s longstanding focus on equity and justice is a large part of what drew me to this organization. And the turmoil of this moment only increases the urgency of our mission to ensure healthy, livable communities for generations to come.

At the same time, I know we still have much work to do to advance the equitable society we all so long to see. Now is a time for us to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with the people and communities who are most affected by the centuries of systemic racism and inequalities that harm Black lives today.

Thank you for your energy, ideas, and questions, and your ongoing help and engagement in this important work.

Diane Regas is president and CEO of The Trust for Public Land.