In Light of Recent Events: A Statement from Walton Options
We here at Walton Options have been paying close attention to the past week’s events regarding the climate around race in our country. We are privy to the fact that we do not solely serve the disability community. That this community encompasses other communities, one being African Americans. We do not wish to participate in the act of doing nothing or staying silent and hoping that change can arise from it.
Firstly, our hearts go out to the family and friends of those beautiful souls who have been lost due to a lack of empathy. Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and countless others. Our hearts go out to the millions of Americans who constantly have to fight for the rights that all humans should be afforded. We stand with you, hoping that you know we SEE you, we HEAR you, and we ACKNOWLEDGE your pain.
Racism in our country has been ignored. Seen as a taboo, something we can’t talk about. However, the lack of addressing this blatant issue has shown to be impactful within the spirits of the people and communities who truly help make this country great. We stand against systemic injustice of ALL people, discrimination of ALL people, and murder of all people based on any sub-characteristic they may have. As we have prided ourselves on being a voice for the disability community, we cannot sit back and not be a voice for other communities as well. We are not here to spread hate, we are not here to point a finger. But, we are here to stand with YOU against ANY injustices brought upon you.
Change can not be made without education, and so we WILL educate ourselves on the constant struggles our consumers and other Americans feel. Change can not be made without listening, and so we WILL listen to the concerns of our community and assist in any capacity we can. Change can not be made single-handedly, and so we WILL continue to advocate for the rights of ALL people. Here at Walton Options, we are acknowledging that there is a problem in this country. That is a fact that can’t be ignored nor excused.
To our consumers, let us be your safe space. Let us be your listening ear. Let us be not just your friend but your ally. And together, step by step, let us make a change.