Black lives matter --- everywhere --- including in our research environments and workplaces. However, the evidence demonstrates that the Fermilab community has not valued the lives, the work, and the imaginations of Black people for many years. We have a responsibility and an opportunity to help build a better community at Fermilab for everyone. Black physicists at Fermilab are calling for our entire community to take immediate action to value Black lives.

Accepting the responsibility of leadership on this matter, Black physicists have developed a set of calls to action, which you will find in the attached document.  This document is not aspirational. This document presents real solutions to address the significant challenges facing Black people at Fermilab. The calls to action described here are the minimum scale of investment for making real change.

As of August 15, 2020, after many conversations with laboratory management, they have agreed that the seven major items should be addressed in a deep and fundamental manner. Further, we expect the community to undertake a solutions-based approach in working for the implementation of the specific calls to action, which are well-documented and deeply researched solutions for each of the seven major items.

As a member of Fermilab's scientific community, you are invited to stand with us by adding your name as a supporter of these calls to action (in which case your name will go on the document, the website, and the form). By signing onto the document, you are affirming that:

1. Each of the seven major items should be addressed in a deep and fundamental manner.
2. The solutions recommended by the document represent the scale of change that is needed.
3. The laboratory must work with the community to achieve this change.
4. The calls to action would be truly transformative, and the laboratory should pursue a course of action that will achieve such change.

We are seeking support from all members of the physics community. For Fermilab employees and users, you are showing support as direct stakeholders within the entire Fermilab community. For those who are neither users nor employees of Fermilab, by signing, you are showing support for changing physics - now.

The calls for action and researched solutions in the Change Now document are intended to serve in the design and implementation of change at institutions throughout the physics community.

Your vocal support will illuminate --- for the Fermilab community and institution --- that we are united in valuing Black lives. This document, along with the list of signatures, will be publicly posted and sent to the Fermilab directorate.

Black people are intersectional in their identities and are a part of many communities. We are not monolithic in our needs or beliefs. Furthermore, as Black scientists, the authors of this document only speak to their needs and from their perspectives. Black engineers, technicians, and non-technical staff may have other ideas and perspectives that must also be heard.

Fermilab was founded near the end of the mid-century Civil Rights Movement. The founders made a point of standing and acting in that moment. With your support, we can stand together and continue the work to put Fermilab at the forefront of recruitment, representation, and retention of Black scientists.

Regards,
on behalf of the Change - Now Team