There are no words to sufficiently capture the pain and grief that so many are feeling — so we will not try. Instead, we will simply say:

We stand with you. We see you. We hear you. We will listen, learn, and heal. Together we will work, act, grow, and change this country.

This is the time for mourning but also for resolve — a resolve to confront the institutional racism that still plagues our society and to honestly acknowledge the immense work we must do to rid ourselves of it.

To begin this work, North Carolina needs leaders at all levels of government who will fight to dismantle public policies that oppress the black community — leaders who will build an open, inclusive North Carolina where all people are truly welcomed and treated equally. Our party is committed to electing people who will bring about that change, and we’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in that effort.

— Geoffrey Hoy

Salisbury

Editor’s note: Geoffrey Hoy is chair of the Rowan County Democratic Party.