Friends, 

Martin Luther King Jr once said “There comes a time when silence is betrayal”.  Right now, every single one of us is experiencing some level of anger, sadness and even fear as a complex climate of divisiveness seems to touch all aspects of our world. It is important that we acknowledge these feelings and consider those around us in need of support. 

We understand why there are protests. That reason brought into sharp focus by the recent abhorrent and unconscionable deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubrey and now George Floyd. We are compelled to call out these terrible acts of injustice for what they are and to help eliminate all forms of racism and violence so that we all may find a better place together. 

We believe deeply that equality is a human right. We believe that each person is to be cherished, honored and treated accordingly in an atmosphere of mutual respect and caring. Panorama encourages and welcomes all people without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or any other characteristic, to live in our communities and to serve on our teams and workforce. 

While these words have a shared meaning for us all, we don’t all share the same experiences. As a diverse community, residents, as well as team members, have had different life experiences. Many people of color have had to work harder, endure racism, and overcome negative experiences simply as a result of their skin color. Speaking to this condition is a shared responsibility. We owe it to each other and to our children for their future. 

Each of our paths to this place have been different, we need to stand together to call out for a better way. For those who continually experience injustice, inequality and discrimination, in direct contradiction of our shared Panorama Values, we stand with you. 

Thank you to our team members — heroes who get up each day and continue to serve — bringing your skills, compassion, dedication and courage to the work you do. YOU inspire us to stay at it and never give up in our determination to create change, to create something better for generations to come. 

Together We Can Create Change

We recognize there is much work to be done, and we are committed to engaging in this work to stamp out racism. We acknowledge that real change takes time and education. 

As we consider next steps for our organization, we turn to our mission and values. Some of the best antidotes to racism can be found in our values: Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Learning. Biases and prejudices are often learned at an early age. We need to commit to teaching ourselves and the people around us to understand and appreciate difference. To challenge discrimination. To respect the dignity of every human being. 

One important way to learn about anti-racism is by reading. We understand books can serve as tools to help understand the ways that racism and white supremacy operate in our minds, our families, and the world, and offer suggestions for lasting change. We’re paying attention to the books Black scholars across the country are recommending Americans read right now, and are making a commitment to our staff to make books available to facilitate growth and learning for anyone willing to take the next step. 

Matthew Murry and Bill Strader

Book Options:

“Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” by Ibram X. Kendi            

“Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence: Understanding and Facilitating Difficult Dialogues on Race” by Derald Wing Sue

“So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo

“The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander

“White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” by Robin DiAngelo

“Racist America: Roots, Current Realities, and Future Reparations” by Joe Feagin

“White Rage; the Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide” by Carol Anderson

“How to Be Less Stupid About Race” by Crystal Marie Fleming

“How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi

“Waking up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race” by Debby Irving

“An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States (REVISIONING HISTORY #3)” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz