RICHMOND, VA – We at Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) have the unique perspective of being a land trust based in an urban to rural setting, and we therefore have the immense privilege and responsibility of representing and supporting our diverse constituencies. As we reflect on the history that is being made following the senseless and tragic death of George Floyd, we offer our sincere condolences to the Floyd family and the African-American community. We join in the renewed demands to root out acts of hatred and racism that have persisted for far too long and must come to an end. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of our core values. We also pledge to continue to highlight and focus on ways to bring racial equity and environmental justice to the Richmond region.
Our mission at CRLC is to conserve and protect the natural and historic land and water resources of Virginia’s capital region for current and future generations. But we must ask — for whom, specifically? CRLC acknowledges that clean water, clean air, healthy ecosystems, and access to recreation and fresh produce are essential to the health and wellbeing of all of us. However, the benefits of conservation have not been historically inclusive. We are committed to bridging the gap of inequities and protecting the land that holds historical and cultural significance to the African American community.
Together, we can leverage conservation and green space to lay the foundation for a just and equitable society in the collective effort to overcome hatred, bigotry, racism, and intolerance in our community.
