Dear members and supporters,

This last week has reminded me that though our cities are slowly overcoming the worst world health pandemic in the last 100 years, we face an equally deadly epidemic of hate and violence the resolution of which is in many ways much more complex and difficult to contain.

As individuals and as an organization, we stand in solidarity and sorrow with the grieving individuals, families and communities who have been so profoundly impacted by two acts of unfathomable hate. Moreover, we stand in solidarity with our Asian-American communities who have been the victims of hate, not just last week, but throughout the epidemic.

We are an organization that is fundamentally dedicated to promoting peace and we commit to continue and grow activities that foster understanding, justice, non-violence and racial equity. We must do more to end the epidemic of hate in our country.

Sincerely,

Karlyn K. Shorb                                                                                                                                                                                                                Chief Executive Officer                                                                                                                                                                                                Aurora Sister Cities International