In Tumultuous Times 9/11 Memorial & Museum President Alice M. Greenwald Invokes the Power of Solidarity, Equality, and Diversity

On Monday, June 1, 2020, 9/11 Memorial & Museum President and CEO Alice M. Greenwald wrote to all members of the staff. We invite you to read her message below which responds to the events of recent days, publicly denounces racism in all forms, and expresses gratitude for the diverse perspectives within our organization.

Dear team,

In one of the most challenging years in our nation’s history marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now confronting the atrocity of, and experiencing widespread moral outrage caused by, the killing of George Floyd on May 25. This tragedy is rooted in a deeply seeded racial divide that affects all of us. Although this situation stirs up many feelings, I hope it invokes above all else a desire for lasting peace grounded in the values of solidarity, equality, diversity, and mutual respect.

As the leader of an institution whose mission “attests to the triumph of human dignity over human depravity and affirms an unwavering commitment to the fundamental value of human life,” I would like to publicly denounce racism in all forms and invite you to renew that conviction in your heart. Given the indefensible racial bias facing Asian Americans during this health crisis as well as the senseless and depraved killing of other Black Americans including Ahmaud Arbery, this commitment is needed now, from all of us, together. 

In the days ahead, the perspective that you bring to our work, and everything you do to support one another matters. Thank you for all that you are doing in this time, and please reach out for help, whenever needed. 

Alice