The recent abhorrent killing of George Floyd is the latest in a long and insufferable history of violence against black people in this country.

As an academic institute dedicated to historical thinking and historically minded activism across the world, we strengthen our commitment to creating intellectual spaces that contribute to the vital fight against racism. We will be tested by our ability to rise to the challenge of making real change possible.

Throughout next year we will work on a plan of action to make the Eisenberg Institute better support the movement for racial justice inside and outside the academy. We encourage you to be a part of this process with us. Please share any thoughts or suggestions at eisenberginstitute@umich.edu.

The tasks ahead of us are enormous. We approach these tasks with humility, determination, and hope.