The Kiem lab promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in all walks of life. We stand with the victims and families of police brutality and systemic racism inherent in the United States of America. We believe that Black Lives Matter. For those who want to be more active in their support during this time, here are some ways to participate meaningfully, with the COVID-19 pandemic in mind.

Vote in local and federal elections
If you need to register in the state of Washington, go here.

Sign petitions, write your representatives and write op-eds for your local papers
If you don’t know who your representatives are, go here.

Educate yourself:

• So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo (Seattle local)
• White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
• The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander.
• Under Our Skin: Getting Real About Race. Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations that Divide Us by Benjamin Watson
• Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present by Harriet A. Washington
• The Color of the Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
• Guide to Allyship website

Also:

• Support minority run local businesses
• Listen
• Elevate the experiences of marginalized and underrepresented voices:  Shop in stores owned by people in marginalized communities   
• Discuss racism with family, friends, neighbors and your community

Donate to local and national fundraisers and organizations, including, but not limited to:

If you are attending a protest, and are asymptomatic for COVID-19, please do the following:

• Wear a mask or face covering that fully covers your nose and mouth.
• Strongly consider wearing or having ready access to goggles or eye protection for added protection (avoid wearing contacts).
• Bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently.
• Avoid sharing drinks, carrying other’s signs or touching objects that others have touched.
• Attempt to limit your group size and maintain six feet of physical distance whenever possible during the activity.
• Try to avoid crowded activities that involve shouting or singing in close proximity to others, and avoid those who are not wearing masks or face coverings if possible.
• Bring your own water, food or other personal items.

Do not participate in community protests if you feel ill, have active respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever (or other symptoms of COVID-19), or have recently been exposed to a close contact with documented COVID-19.

After participating, self-monitor for COVID-19 for 14 days after the activity. If you develop any symptoms, stay home, self-isolate. (Fred Hutch employees can find more information on CenterNet. Employees can also contact Environmental Health & Safety to get tested.)