We at the Briggs Society of International Law stand in unconditional solidarity with the Black community and the Black Lives Matter movement. We want to voice our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the countless others who have lost their lives to the systemic racial violence and police brutality that have taken place and are taking place nationwide, whose struggles cannot be summed up in a hashtag. As human beings, our hearts break for them. As future officers of the court — as future lawyers in the best sense — we understand that we have both the responsibility and the power to do better.

The Briggs Society of International Law is dedicated to promoting student awareness and interest in international law. One of the cornerstones of international law is undeniably the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, drafted in part by former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, which states in article 1 that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” We must acknowledge that the United States was founded upon slavery and racism on stolen land. It is therefore up to citizens to use their reason and conscience to educate themselves, question the structure in place, and fight towards global justice for the Black community and oppressed peoples everywhere.

Despite the scale of this struggle, we urge you not to grow complacent and silent in your frustration and grief.

Ways to help include:

If you are not in a place financially to donate, this video featuring content from Black artists and musicians donates all the ad revenue to Black Lives Matter.  

Sincerely, 

The Briggs Society of International Law