CUDRR+R Statement on Racial Injustice and Equitable Resilience
The Center for Urban Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (CUDRR+R) is a non-profit research center with a mission to produce knowledge and undertake practices and partnerships that will advance urban risk reduction and resilience building to natural hazards and the impacts of climate change.
Our mission is more important than ever as we are facing complex disasters and stresses in our society. The COVID-19 pandemic and its cascading impacts on all aspects of public life, as well as social stresses rising from systemic racial injustice have exposed the vulnerabilities in our communities. It has become apparent to all that African American, indigenous, and other communities of color are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic as well as other shocks and stresses. Furthermore, the pandemic has currently intersected with social unrest rising from systemic racial injustice, amplifying the complex vulnerabilities and risks of the African American populations in the United States.
In its short existence, CUDRR+R has strived to bring forth research on resilient and equitable urban development. We denounce racism and discrimination in all its forms and commit to developing knowledge and practices that will support resilience-building, particularly of the most vulnerable groups. As academicians, researchers, and the built environment professionals, we will continue seek and disseminate evidence-based knowledge and practices, while ensuring that they advance equity for all.
Executive Director
Ebru A. Gencer