The power & promise of diversity

Every community owes its existence and strength to the generations before them, around the world, who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were drawn to migrate from their homes in hopes of a better life, some were brought here against their will, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. 

Truth and acknowledgement are critical in building mutual respect and connections across all barriers of heritage, culture, identity, and difference. 

We believe that it is important to actively honor those who have been historically and systemically marginalized and stripped of their language, culture, land, and community. So, we acknowledge the truth that is often buried: We here in the DC area are on the ancestral homelands of the Piscataway, Anacostan, and Nacotchtank Peoples, who were among the first in the Western Hemisphere. We are on Indigenous land that was stolen from the Piscataway, Anacostan, and Nacotchtank. We pay respects to the Piscataway, Anacostan, and Nacotchtank elders and ancestors. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that inform and impact us all.