The Executive Council of PCAS/ACAS recognizes Black lives matter. We recognize that the United States was founded and created on policies of systematic racism and white supremacy. We recognize that the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and Dion Johnson, among far too many to count, are just the latest tragedies in a far too long line of police and state brutality. And we recognize that much of this systemic racism and systems of power and inequality have been entrenched into our academic institutions and organizations and that condemning them is insufficient without change.

As an organization dedicated to popular culture, we are especially aware of the power of media to influence our society in ways it may scarcely be aware of. And as an organization dedicated to the American South, we have a unique perspective on the ways that culture, media, and history have worked to reinforce inequality. Therefore, as scholars and mentors, we have a responsibility to speak out and attempt the role of education.

And lastly, we recognize that we have our own work to do to make sure our organization matches with these words. We need to do the serious labor of examining how to elevate our own Black members and other academics of color and ensure that they feel their contributions and voices are invited, welcomed, heard, and supported. It is not enough for us to speak outward but also look inward to ensure that we have the diversity, equality, and equity that we claim to espouse. We hope so very much to be part of the solution both within academia and, through our conference, research, and teaching, beyond.