06/05/2020
We at Robber Barons wanted to acknowledge our silence and lack of action, both present and historically, in regard to the systematic and systemic discrimination and oppression of Black individuals. We wanted to apologize to our community which has always supported us, and vow to be better and to do better.
Being a sketch comedy group, we understand that the space that we occupy has historically been exclusive to white and male individuals. This is not because of a lack of talent outside of these demographics, but rather because of prejudiced institutional barriers to entry. We recognize that we have not done our part in working to undo that history, and have failed in including the diversity of talent in our cast. Moving forward, we are committed to centralizing diversity in our recruitment.
In an effort to start speaking up and participating in the dismantling of these oppressive systems, we are raising funds, and will match donations up to $500. We plan to donate to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Xi Beta Chapter’s Justice for Black Lives Fund, which will match our total 1k donation. We challenge our Stanford community and those who’ve been supporters of Barons to send us receipts of their donations so that we can support these organizations together. You can also send us an amount that we can Venmo request you if that is easier.
We are deeply saddened by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Natasha McKenna, Sandra Bland, Atatiana Jefferson, Tanisha Anderson, and the countless others who have been affected by the longstanding systems of discrimination, racism, and oppression that are present throughout our country. We cannot and will not continue to remain neutral in the face of a country that is comfortable with police brutality, and uncomfortable recognizing the ways in which Black populations are intentionally and disproportionately impacted by social and environmental determinants of health, a fact made indisputable by COVID-19.
We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and are dedicated to making activism a central part of our mission on campus now and going forward.
