Black Lives Matter
from The Rival American Editorial Board
As an independent student publication, The Rival American reaffirms its unequivocal support for all Black people, protestors and organizations. It is our duty as a primarily white staff at a predominately white institution (PWI) to amplify Black voices, particularly Black AU students and organizations. The tragedies of police brutality and hate crimes this past week are unfortunately nothing new. They are today's chapter in the long anti-Black history of the United States. More than that, they are a resounding alarm signaling the need for structural antiracist change.
On this first day of Pride Month, we commit to centering Black LGBTQ+ voices. In the past our support of LGBTQ+ causes and voices has ranged from community submissions to working with AU Pride and the launch of Visible — AU’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ publication. However, our coverage does not go far enough in honoring the Black and Latinx history of LGBTQ+ movements and narratives today. This Pride Month, we need to focus on the groundbreaking work of Black drag queens, transgender women and many other Black activists throughout history and today.
For too long, we have been complicit in many discussions of LGBTQ+ and Black issues on campus that avoid enacting meaningful change. There is no excuse on our part, only a misguided sense of fear that we would not do it the right way. That must change. AU has experienced countless racist and anti-Black incidents that are not only reflective of the power of racist individuals but the lack of institutional protection for Black people. We echo the Eagle Editorial Board’s statement: The University has institutional power to act, and we believe now is the time to act. If we are to be an organization that claims to reflect and further the AU community, we must recognize it is not enough to be angry and offer only performative support. We must offer our independent platform, complete publishing freedom and material support to AU’s Black organizations and all Black students.
When The Rival American was founded in 2014, we understood ourselves primarily as an independent satire and commentary publication. Our chapter has grown and developed to include reporting and working alongside other student organizations. Despite this our heart remains the same. The purpose of good satire is to punch up, not punch down. Satire should not degrade or belittle oppressed people but rather speak truth to power and reveal the absurdity of corruption and structural marginalization. In the same way, we dedicate ourselves to increased coverage of AU’s Black organizations and student population. This includes critical questioning of AUPD presence, institutional barriers to Black students and intersectional perspectives. We also dedicate ourselves accountable to every Black student. We urge all non-Black and especially white students to donate to organizations on the ground, especially Black LGBTQ+ organizations. Beyond this it is imperative to educate ourselves and our communities about the struggle of Black people in the United States.
This Pride Month, we remember how protest movements secured rights and change for LGBTQ+ people, and how we now in turn must stand alongside all Black communities in our collective struggle for a more just and fully liberated society.
Below are many resources where you can do just that. These resources will continue to be updated, but if you feel we are lacking important resources or perspectives, please reach out to us at therivalamerican@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
The Rival American Editorial Board
(Please note: Washington, D.C. does not accept cash bail but we will add legal resources.)