Arabs for Black Lives

TORONTO, Ontario, June 3, 2020 – The Canadian Arab Institute (CAI) strongly condemns racism and anti-Blackness, and stands in solidarity with Black communities. The loss of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the many lives that came before them, were senseless murders and a result of continued systemic oppression that must be dismantled. 

We support our Black siblings’ right to equity and justice, and it is our responsibility as a community to educate ourselves on the historical and systemic oppression they are subjected to. This includes learning ways in which non-Black Arabs historically contributed to, profited from, are complicit to, and promoted anti-Blackness. 

As an institute focused on working with other racialized communities in Canada to address discrimination in all its forms, it is our hope that we use our privileges and liberties to amplify the voices of Black communities and their struggles. 

Today we pause to listen and act on the important messages being shared. #BlackLivesMatter

-Shireen Salti, Interim Executive Director, Canadian Arab Institute