An important message from our CEO and our Board President
June 4, 2020
Dear Members:
As we (Nathan and Dave) look at the events of the last week and the national and even global attention on the issues of racism in our country, we honestly struggle with what to say and express. Words are not enough.
Both of us have teenage children at home and have been asked open, tough and emotionally-filled questions on these issues. These are not easy discussions to have, but we feel it’s important to model to our kids the need to press in and to hopefully do so in ways that seek to understand, educate, challenge and ultimately help bring people together.
There are, without a doubt, issues of systemic racism and prejudice in our country. That is not acceptable, nor is the fact that many people of color live in fear for their lives, including from institutions and people who are sworn to protect others and uphold our Constitution. Acknowledging these hard, hurtful and harmful realities doesn’t mean condoning rioting and looting, nor the violence and hate against all law enforcement or others caught in the crossfire. But we must acknowledge we have to do more than be moved or horrified at a tragic and senseless loss of another life, do more than be outraged for a short season, or worse, numb to it, and then let it pass.
As an industry that provides housing, we must also acknowledge the racist policies and practices in Oregon’s history impacting communities’ of color, and especially the Black community, that include limited and segregated housing options and choices. There are still carryovers today that impact those choices and opportunities. While there are several areas HBA has worked on to impact these issues and serve communities of color better, we realize that lauding that work opens the door to some saying it’s not enough. And the reality is, until we truly see progress, it isn’t enough.
We are committed to continuing and expanding our work on housing inclusivity, as well as to identify ways we can be more inclusive as an organization and industry in terms of employment opportunities, engagement in association activities and leadership within the organization. And we invite everyone to commit to an ongoing process of examining our own reactions and biases and working to understand those of others from different races, cultures, orientations and heritages. Finally, in order for us to truly make progress to improve the world for our kids and the generations after them, we must all find ways to put that into action and make a difference in a way that helps bring people together.
Dear Members:
As we (Nathan and Dave) look at the events of the last week and the national and even global attention on the issues of racism in our country, we honestly struggle with what to say and express. Words are not enough.
Both of us have teenage children at home and have been asked open, tough and emotionally-filled questions on these issues. These are not easy discussions to have, but we feel it’s important to model to our kids the need to press in and to hopefully do so in ways that seek to understand, educate, challenge and ultimately help bring people together.
There are, without a doubt, issues of systemic racism and prejudice in our country. That is not acceptable, nor is the fact that many people of color live in fear for their lives, including from institutions and people who are sworn to protect others and uphold our Constitution. Acknowledging these hard, hurtful and harmful realities doesn’t mean condoning rioting and looting, nor the violence and hate against all law enforcement or others caught in the crossfire. But we must acknowledge we have to do more than be moved or horrified at a tragic and senseless loss of another life, do more than be outraged for a short season, or worse, numb to it, and then let it pass.
As an industry that provides housing, we must also acknowledge the racist policies and practices in Oregon’s history impacting communities’ of color, and especially the Black community, that include limited and segregated housing options and choices. There are still carryovers today that impact those choices and opportunities. While there are several areas HBA has worked on to impact these issues and serve communities of color better, we realize that lauding that work opens the door to some saying it’s not enough. And the reality is, until we truly see progress, it isn’t enough.
We are committed to continuing and expanding our work on housing inclusivity, as well as to identify ways we can be more inclusive as an organization and industry in terms of employment opportunities, engagement in association activities and leadership within the organization. And we invite everyone to commit to an ongoing process of examining our own reactions and biases and working to understand those of others from different races, cultures, orientations and heritages. Finally, in order for us to truly make progress to improve the world for our kids and the generations after them, we must all find ways to put that into action and make a difference in a way that helps bring people together.
Dave Nielsen
HBA CEO |
Nathan Young
Nathan D. Young Construction 2020 HBA Board President |
