Anti-Racism Statement from KCHA's Executive Director

We at the King County Housing Authority condemn in the strongest terms the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police. This is a story that has been repeated over and over. It is but one symptom of the long standing pattern of pervasive and persistent racism and discrimination in our country and of violence against Black, Indigenous and other People of Color in our community.

The effects of this injustice are intolerable and we at KCHA, and we as a community, must respond not only with words but with action. Racism is a wrong that cannot be ignored; it is incumbent upon all of us to recognize it and to eradicate it. Our mission at the Housing Authority cannot succeed unless it is based upon fundamental principles of true equity and empowerment. To honor this commitment we must work diligently to dismantle racism and eliminate inherent white advantage wherever it exists, including within our own organization.

We must also work in partnership with the communities we serve to address the longstanding impacts of systemic racial discrimination. This starts with careful listening, developing accountability to racially oppressed communities, and making decisions that reflect the experiences and ideas of those who face racism daily.

There is an outpouring of protest both here in our region and across the county. There is a call for action. This is an opportunity that must not be lost.  It must lay the foundation for real change. KCHA is committed to working to make this a reality.