Black Lives Matter

A Statement from Malden River Works in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter

August 3, 2020

The Malden River Works Team stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and condemns the murder of Black people at the hands of police or racist vigilantes. We reject anti-Black violence, white supremacy, and the system of racial injustice and oppression that has allowed racism to flourish in our country for more than 400 years.

“Malden River Works for Waterfront Equity and Resilience” isn’t just the name of our project - it is a rejection of the status quo and a demand for change. Racial justice is an essential part of our work. The same system of racial injustice that allows for the murder of Black people at the hand or police perpetuates the environmental injustice that prioritizes the needs of white communities over the resiliency of communities of color. This system deprives communities of color of decision-making power in projects such as ours, ensuring inequitable outcomes.

We are redefining the practice of meaningful public engagement in Malden to create a power structure that represents the diversity of our community. We will continue to foster an equitable process that amplifies the voices of those who are silences and oppressed.

Too often, climate resiliency projects have gentrifying results, pushing communities of color from their homes. Our visions is of a space that is designed and owned by the whole community, and not just a subset of residents. The Malden River Works for Waterfront Equity and Resilience project will create a space that boosts our resiliency in the face of climate change while reversing existing injustices.

The Black Lives Matter movement reflects the ideals that we have set for ourselves in this project - to empower our communities and strengthen our resilience. The Malden River Works Team proudly proclaims our support, as it is incumbent upon all of us to speak out against oppression wherever it may be.