The Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and the eradication of white supremacy. We share the outrage, frustration, sadness, and grief the community is expressing in response to the many years of unresolved systemic racism in our country and in our community.
DURA has no tolerance for discrimination and all our actions will be grounded in anti-racism. We value the richness that diversity brings to our workforce—it makes us better and the community we serve stronger. We are proud of our efforts to maintain a workforce that represents many backgrounds and recommit to cultivating an environment where the contributions of every employee and citizen are recognized and respected, heard and seen for who they are as individuals. At every level we will continue to work toward becoming an organization that embodies equitable strategies in improving our communities and creating a culture that ensures Black lives are valued.
Moments like this remind us that we have a privilege to do the work we do. It’s a privilege that comes with a responsibility to acknowledge that society’s past racist actions in the name of urban renewal have created barriers to opportunity, promoted segregation, and contributed to undermining the health and economic disparities experienced by people of color. We have a responsibility to join the difficult conversations taking place in our community to confront the ingrained racism and inequities in today’s models of development and be responsive to what is happening in the communities we exist to serve.
A statement is not enough. We will listen with an open mind. We will learn. We will accept we are part of the problem. We will work to be part of the solution in actionable ways.