A Word from the AAA Board of Directors

It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.

— Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot, 1994

The Amateur Astronomers Association of New York wishes to express its solidarity with the family of George Floyd and with the past victims of senseless death attributed to racial or ethnic prejudice. There is no room in our society for disrespect of our common humanity. We believe in equality, inclusion, and basic human decency, regardless of a person’s race, creed, ethnicity or gender identity. 

We have seen these values lacking and the true face of systemic oppression laid bare with the killing of George Floyd and the too many others that came before him. 

As a scientific community, it is within our nature to explore, study, learn, listen, and iterate. We are listening to the Black community and their grievances. We are studying America’s history which led to an unfortunate present. And we are exploring ways to make our society better for People of Color.

This past week we’ve seen the country mobilize and come together in spectacular ways, but we must keep the momentum going. 

We were given one life on this beautiful planet. With this life, we stand for change. 

AAA Board of Directors