Over the past few weeks, cultural institutions have attempted to atone for past silences to acts of police violence against Black bodies. Now, some of their reactions remain tone-deaf to calls for social justice and equity for Black and POC.

“For decades, cultural organizations have generally opted out of politically heated debates, positioning themselves as neutral territory and preferring to let the artists they present do the opining. As civic institutions often supported by taxpayer dollars, they have historically eschewed political allegiances. But this time is different.”