Hello friends,

2020 has been a rough year – it has been, socially, economically, and emotionally trying. The global pandemic has claimed over 100,000 American lives, and left many of us isolated. Many of us have lost our jobs, or have been furloughed until further notice. Many of us who retained our jobs have seen our pay cut. Many of us have experienced additional stress, fear, and uncertainty in ways that we never have before.

The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery have created immense pain in the black community and ignited a storm of protests in cities all across America. The legacy of slavery, systemic racism, and inequality in our nation are on full display, exacerbated by the pandemic, economic shutdown, and the rise of white nationalism. This is not a political issue – it’s a civil rights issue.

Narcolepsy Network believes that Black Lives Matter.

A core part of our mission is to support people with narcolepsy. Narcolepsy does not care what your skin color is, how much money you make, where you live, what your gender is, or how you identify – it afflicts all different kinds of people, equally. There are many black and brown members in our community, and they need our support now more than ever. Narcolepsy Network is committed to supporting them, and we ask you to do the same.

What can you do?

• Reach out to see how your friends, colleagues, and neighbors are doing.

• Listen, learn, and understand more about why this is happening.

• Learn how you can support the #BlackLivesMatter movement if you can’t protest.

• Donate to an organization that’s fighting for civil rights.

• Join our Facebook group to support your community.

• Support your local chapter of Black Lives Matter.

• Find out more about organizations such as Crossroads, RoadMap, and the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond.

• Check out Showing Up for Racial Justice and the active petitions and campaigns from Color of Change.

• Consider the resources provided by Ahead of the Curve on equity and inclusion.

— Keith Harper
President, Board of Directors
[email protected]