Here’s a note from the Independent Book Publishers Association, a sort of national “parent” of BAIPA, that we wanted to share with you.
Dear members of the IBPA community,
We are a nation struggling with two crises.
One, a months-old pandemic that requires physical distancing and has made us feel socially distant, as well. And two, a centuries-old epidemic of racist violence against Black people. George Floyd’s murder is shocking and terrible, and not an isolated incident. Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade are other recent victims of hate, violence, and systemic racism. These overlapping crises fuel our collective outrage and grief.
At IBPA, we believe that building a world that is more equitable, just, and inclusive of people of color requires the stories, ideas, and contributions of a diverse field of publishers. We also believe that diversity in independent publishing is our strength and, explicitly, that Black Lives Matter.
In this difficult moment, we reinforce our mission and vision, and stand with all of our communities against injustice and racism through an association-sponsored donation to the George Floyd Memorial Fund. If you have the means, we hope you will donate to the George Floyd Memorial Fund or Black Lives Matter, as well.
Thank you, and please stay safe.
— Your IBPA Staff & Board of Directors