RCPCA Statement on Racism

The Board of Directors of the Rock Creek Palisades Citizens Association (RCPCA) applauds the Montgomery County Council for its recent declaration that racism is a public health crisis.

By making its declaration, the County joins other counties such as San Bernardino County, CA, and cities such as Denver, Cleveland, and Boston in passing resolutions to recognize the true depth of this national emergency.

For too long, necessary and important work to confront the traumatic impact of racism in America has been minimized by those who try to limit discussions about race solely to the political sphere.

The County’s declaration makes clear that racism is not simply a matter of political opinion; it is enabled by a social system with multiple dimensions, including individual racism that is interpersonal as well as systemic racism that is institutional or structural. 

When racist beliefs are translated into personal and institutional behaviors, significant physical, mental, and emotional violence is done to individuals and families, often for many generations. This violence may not always be visible in our neighborhood or make the national news, but it is real and it will not get better until we truly acknowledge the extent of the crisis. 

RCPCA continues to be a non-political entity in accordance with its bylaws. 

The Board is issuing this statement because the trauma of racism transcends the politics of any county, city, or government.

Racist ideas do not constitute a valid political opinion, and combating racism is not the provenance of a particular political party.  

The Board pledges to do what it can to remain non-political while also working to preserve racial diversity and make our community free from racial violence, and we encourage friends and members alike to broaden their perspective by reading the recent declaration by the County Council: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/Resources/Files/agenda/col/2020/20200609/20200609_3-5.pdf 

Would you like to volunteer to help the association? 

Please send us any ideas you have to help make our neighborhood and world a better, more peaceful and just place to live: rockcpca@gmail.com

We appreciate your attention, support, and engagement during these challenging times.