We must do better. Now.

The Young Urban Preservationists have been using this time to listen to what Black voices across our nation are saying. As a result of what we have heard, we want to: (1) acknowledge our hand in how we got here; (2) renew our commitment to effect change within our organization and the larger preservation movement; and (3) clearly and unequivocally stand with all those advocating for the change our nation so desperately needs.

Historic preservation--as a movement and a professional field--has not served all members of our community. Although the field has made significant strides in working with people of all backgrounds to preserve the places and stories that matter to them, preservation is often a predominantly white endeavor. 

We know that good preservation is about more than buildings. Good preservation is about building vibrant, inclusive, and diverse communities, sharing the stories of all people and places,   and planning for a sustainable future for all. 

The Young Urban Preservationists have not done enough to fight against systemic racism and have helped perpetuate a bias towards the dominant white perspective. We have not done a good enough job of celebrating the cultural heritage of all people of color in our community; we have not done a good enough job of diversifying our membership and leadership; we have not included the voices of others in our decision making. The YUPs have not met any of our core goals around diversity and inclusion. 

We will make mistakes but we must listen and commit to grow in our practice as Young Preservationists. To do so, we will continue to work aggressively to add diversity to our leadership, committees, and membership. We will further enhance our programming so that we are working alongside people of color to amplify their voices and to tell the stories of and save the places that matter to them. We will use preservation as one tool to call out and endeavor to correct the disparities and inequalities created by racist housing, planning, and development policies. Furthermore, we will communicate our position as anti-racists to all members of our organization and to those with which we conduct business, in an effort to actively root out privilege and remove bias.

This statement is not about us. This is about acknowledging the suffering of Black people, owning our collective role in perpetuating systemic racism, standing in solidarity with all who are demanding change, and committing ourselves to this work. We can and must do better, now.