News & Resources
Sequoia Living Speaks Up: Our Stance on Social Justice & Inclusion
Dear Sequoia Living Staff, Residents, and Customers,
Sequoia Living, through a message from CEO Sara McVey on June 25, 2020, unequivocally denounces racism and reaffirms its commitment to social justice and inclusion. The organization's mission is dedicated to advancing healthy aging for people of all cultures, races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, faiths, identities, backgrounds, and walks of life. In response to events like the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, Sequoia Living is reassembling its Inclusion Committee to research supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned businesses and organizations that advance racial and social justice.
It has taken me a few weeks to find my voice – I realize that it is not about having the perfect words, it’s about being part of this crucial conversation.
Like you, my heart has been heavy at the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and thousands of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) since 1492. Racism, inequality, and social injustice must end.
I know many of us are hurting, holding back tears, and swallowing our pain – particularly people of color. During this time, people have also been concerned about their safety. Our promise at Sequoia Living is to always be a safe place for people to be who they are.
Our organization has long lived the values of inclusion. We will continue to listen, learn, and work together to end the racism that has devastating effects on society as well as the people we see each day in our communities and service locations. Black Lives Matter — they are valued, they enrich us, they are family, they are friends, they are part of our communities, they make us better.
Sequoia Living’s mission is to advance healthy aging for people of all cultures, races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, faiths, identities, backgrounds, and walks of life.
While we may be a small voice in a very big conversation, we will step up, show up, and speak up.
We denounce racism. To our coworkers, residents, customers, business partners, and communities of color—we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you.
Sequoia Living’s soon-to-be-renamed Inclusion Committee is reassembling and as a starting point will research how Sequoia Living can support BIPOC-owned businesses and organizations that advance racial and social justice. We will also seek insight from experts in the field and use what we learn to further support diversity, equity and inclusion at our organization.
Over the past few months, while sheltering in place, we have come together in new ways. We are watching out for each other. We will never be the same, and I think that is a good thing.
We are Sequoia Strong.
Sara McVey, Sequoia Living President & CEO
