Habitat for Humanity was born on a farm in South Georgia on the theory of radical inclusivity, at a time when inclusivity was seen by some as an existential threat. It’s a vision of a world we still believe in, and fight to build every day.

These protests aren’t just about the killing of George Floyd. They’re about Breonna Taylor, who was killed in her own home during a no-knock raid in Kentucky. They’re about Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot dead while jogging in his own neighborhood in Georgia. They’re about Christian Cooper, whose safety was jeopardized simply for asking a white woman to follow posted rules in Central Park. They’re about Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Rodney King and Emmett Till. They are about Klan members in the 1960s burning down Clarence Jordan’s vegetable stand and firing guns into homes of families at Koinonia Farm outside Americus, Georgia. They’re about decades and centuries of individual and systemic racism that precede and infuse the founding and life of our nation.

Our hearts have lifted as we’ve seen peaceful protests. Our hearts have broken as we’ve seen violence. As Americans, we are all called to face the difficult questions raised to the forefront of this national conversation. Habitat can help be part of the answer.

The way we approach our work at Habitat has been a vehicle for reconciliation and has broken down barriers between people. We work alongside those willing to partner with us, no matter their background or walk of life, and that will always be true. Habitat is more than a housing nonprofit. It’s a vision of a world where we share one humanity. ~Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International.