As members of the legal and business communities, we are writing, on the occasion of Juneteenth, to strongly reaffirm our condemnation of racism in all forms and to express our unwavering support for the Black community in the ongoing struggle to achieve freedom from racial injustice and systemic racism.  The recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks -- and countless before them – coupled with the widespread outrage and protests they have precipitated, have starkly demonstrated the urgency and necessity of this continued struggle.

We recognize and embrace the obligation that we have, personally and as members of a profession dedicated to the principles of justice and equality, to work to eradicate racism within the legal system and our communities.  As a firm, we are committed to implementing a meaningful and sustained effort towards that goal.

For many years, we have had the privilege of providing pro bono representation to many organizations that have been on the front lines of the effort to end racial injustice and promote racial equity.  We remain fully committed to these clients and will do our utmost to support them in their continued work.  We also intend to forge new relationships with individuals and organizations who are seeking to advance the cause of racial justice and prosperity for the Black community and to represent and support those individuals and organizations, now and in the future, in their mission.

We have been profoundly moved by the terror and violence inflicted on members of the Black community we have all witnessed in recent weeks and by the millions of people who have protested that violence, and our dedication to act is stronger than ever.  But we intend that the change we strive to achieve will be real and lasting.  The actions that we start now will be ongoing and will evolve and develop as we listen and learn from our clients and colleagues how we can collectively achieve that goal. 

Sincerely,

Goulston & Storrs