It is with heavy hearts that we express our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the senseless tragedy that occurred in Orlando. A shooter took the lives of 50 people and wounded at least 53 others. This, the largest mass shooting in the history of the United States was entrenched in hatred.
It is up to us to make sure those who lost their lives in this atrocity, did not die in vain. Let us use this disgusting act of hate to serve as a stark reminder of the inequality and prejudice that still exists in the world and in our own country. A reminder that we must continue to fight for equality for all. This doesn’t just affect the LBGT community, but all of us. Tolerance and inclusivity are cornerstones of the labor movement and we must all stand together and fight back against the hate. An injury to one is an injury to all.
There is a GoFundMe account setup by Equality Florida, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization to collect contributions to support the victims of the horrific shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub. If you would like to make a donation click here. Also, there was a call for specific blood types in the Orlando area that has been met with an outpouring of support. However, if you would like to donate blood in your area, call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS for more information.
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
-Pastor Martin Niemöller
May our hearts find peace through the healing power of love.
Fraternally,
Dave Supplee
PRESIDENT & DIRECTING
GENERAL CHAIR
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