Society...is doing everything that heart and brain can devise to save white young men and white young women, while practically nothing is being done for the [Black] young men and women, except to prosecute and punish them for crimes for which society is largely responsible.
—Fannie Barrier Williams, 1904

True Peace is not merely the absence of war, it is the presence of justice.
—Jane Addams

Jane Addams Hull-House Museum stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the thousands of protesters worldwide who join together to expose police brutality, condemn the murders and demand justice for our communities. We remember those who were senselessly killed and their families—George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, David McAtee and Breonna Taylor, who would have been 27 today, among many unnamed others. We condemn the dehumanization of Black communities.

We acknowledge that the legacy of white supremacy, anti-blackness and state violence has been facilitated by a long and unacceptable history of terror, oppression, genocide and violence directed at Black communities, communities of color, indigenous and LGBTQ communities. At Hull-House, we are Black, Latinx, Asian, white, atheist, Muslim, Christian, trans, gay, straight and represent many other backgrounds. Like so many others we are hurt and outraged.

The original Hull-House Settlement fought to break down race, class and gender barriers, eliminate injustices and to empower full democratic participation especially for marginalized communities. Social reformers provided resources to encourage residents to advocate for their well-being and for one another, to fight against abuses and exploitation and to elevate the common good.

These injustices are not new. Neither is the resistance.

As part of Jane Addams Hull-House Museum’s current exhibition True Peace: The Presence of Justice, the recently installed mural, “In Progress: A Decade of the People’s Struggle in Chicago” by Monica Trinidad and Grae Rosa documents the struggles and robust grassroots activism and organizing in Chicago for the past ten years with a focus on the leadership of women, trans, intersex, and gender non-conforming people of color. The mural (pictured above) reflects on Chicago's vibrant history of activism, looks toward the future and raises the question, “How will you commit to justice in 2020 and beyond?” Now is the time to take action. Please do your part!

Below, we highlight some ways in which you can help.

Our hearts are breaking during this time, but we remain hopeful. We thank those who are on the front lines in cities around the world and those who support them. You are the change!

In solidarity,

The Hull-House Team

Please donate to those who are doing the work to support protesters:

Please also support Hull-House’s artists and partners who continue to support protesters and impacted communities: