Philadelphia Bar Foundation Statement on George Floyd's Death

The Philadelphia Bar Foundation strongly denounces the senseless and racist murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. We decry all acts of violence against the Black community and people of color that continue to plague our country. The Foundation stands in solidarity with peaceful protests and demonstrations of free speech against endemic racial injustices.

Philadelphia’s civil legal aid agencies provide a full range of vital legal services, and as racism is prevalent in civil legal matters, from housing to unemployment to immigration, their work is critical in the fight for racial justice. The Board and Staff of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation are also committed to addressing our own racial biases and dedicating ourselves to strengthening our anti-racism work in order to promote a better, more equitable Philadelphia community.

As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, “Without justice, there can be no peace. He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetuate it.” Recognizing that dismantling structural racism is an ongoing and evolving process, we welcome community input about how to better our efforts. Contact Executive Director Jessica R. Hilburn-Holmes.