JACKSON COUNTY, MI – The Jackson District Library issued a statement on its website and social media pages in solidarity with its African American community members Wednesday, June 17.

The statement – which can be found at www.myjdl.com/solidarity – includes a resource list for patrons to review books, e-books, movies, and more that touch on racism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice; issues currently at the forefront of our local, regional, and national conversation.

The statement reads as follows:

The Jackson District Library stands in solidarity with our African American community members whose presence and contributions enrich the Jackson community.

We grieve the killing of George Floyd and others and condemn these brutal injustices. We stand for racial equity and social justice for all. We hurt with our community. We recognize that white people, privileged simply by the color of their skin, have an important role to play in creating a just and equitable society for everyone. Some are already active in this fight for racial justice. Others have just begun. Some have not yet started. We must all fight against racism.

The Jackson District Library mission is to provide open access to information that will inform, educate and highlight hard issues such as racial disparities, racism and injustices.

Hate has no place here.

JDL officials will highlight selections from the anti-racism resource list on their social media pages beginning Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, and will continue to do so in the days following.