Dear Friends, Family and Neighbors,
The first half of 2020 has been most eventful for all of us. In it, we’ve experienced a global pandemic, record numbers of deaths due to COVID19, unprecedented numbers of layoffs and unemployment, global quarantine, mandatory social distancing, school closures and distance learning at home, canceled commencements, peace rallies for social justice, riots over police misconduct and racism, the U.S. Census 2020, and a pivotal Primary Election season! The perfect storm of huge life impacting events. Yet, through it all, we’re all persevering through such challenging times together.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “A riot is the voice of the unheard.” Temple University’s Lenfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative (LNPWI) team mourn the lives of martyrs that have become catalysts for positive dialogue and systemic institutional change. Equality, respect, dignity, and justice are the foundational bedrock on which progressive civil societies are built.
The LNPWI team is committed to embracing and celebrating the strength and advantages that diversity breeds. We honor the peacemakers and activists, employers and employees, native born citizens and immigrants, and political leaders and citizens of the republic – – all who are on the frontlines rallying, communicating and collaborating to make the quality of life better for all.
The sanctity of all life is precious indeed. Dr. King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” This is a question we all must be prepared to answer with resounding personal evidence of uplift, love, empowerment and goodwill towards others.
A wise ancient script declares that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Our prayers are with the citizens and leaders of Philadelphia, our nation, and the global community, as we all attempt to navigate through the multiple layers of complicated challenges that have beset us all.
Our universal challenge is to remain steadfast and unmovable in our convictions to exemplify all that is good, just and kind towards all – – regardless of age, ethnicity, culture, race, gender, religion, educational attainment, socio-economic strata, etc. Our local and global communities deserves our very best ingenuity, enterprise, collaboration, performance and civility. Nothing less is acceptable.
Sincerly,
The Lenfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative Team