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Statement of Solidarity

We are angry and heartbroken. The killing of George Floyd and the unnecessary violence of the police brutality that took his life has shaken us. Minority groups understand all too well the inequities and injustices in our country. Racism and discrimination have not only held us back, but continues to take lives.

Dr. Martin Luther King said, “A riot is the language of the unheard.” For 35 years, the Heartland Men’s Chorus has worked to give voice to the often silenced, and we stand in solidarity now more than ever with the communities of color demanding change.

When the stories of others lead to outrage and protest, we turn back the pages of our own history to remember the LGBTQ narratives of struggle and injustice. We cannot forget the LGBTQ members of color who took a stand 51 years ago this month at Stonewall. As an organization, we are committed to being community builders, conversation-starters, accountability partners, and role models that value human dignity and the voice of all people. We will serve as a safe space for black and other people of color while committing to transformative dialogue on racism, transphobia and homophobia.

We will listen more intently. We will reflect more deeply. We will respond more loudly.

Although COVID 19 serves as a barrier for HMC to gather in song safely, we gather in collective voice supporting organizations directly confronting inequities in our communities both locally and nationally. Please support groups like the Black Lives Matter movement; National Black Justice Coalition; the Center for Black Equity; the Transgender, Gender-Variant and Intersex Justice Project, and the many others that are moving the bar towards a more just society.

The Board of Directors, singers, and staff of the Heartland Men’s Chorus stand in solidarity and radical love for equality and change. We remain hopeful and steadfast for a nation taking breaths of change while taking brave steps towards a revolution for humankind.