AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING

June 5, 2020

Dear members of SEMC,

I hope this message finds you well and managing these unprecedented times with the support of family and friends. My name is Zinnia Willits and I have been in the SEMC Executive Director position for just over a month now. While transition can be challenging, I continue to be honored to assume this role and excited to work with all of you. The opportunity to connect with an entire region of dynamic museum professionals is truly amazing and I believe this is absolutely where I am supposed to be during this unique moment in time.

While I look forward to ongoing discussions with all of you, today’s message is about the 2020 SEMC Annual Meeting. With the continued impact of the global pandemic and the uncertainty of how COVID-19 will progress through the remainder of 2020, SEMC has decided to postpone the 2020 Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 18-21 in Louisville, Kentucky. While unprecedented for SEMC, the decision to postpone has the full support of the SEMC Council, and is based on the ongoing health risks, data gathered to better understand members’ ability to travel and participate in fall professional events, purposeful deliberation, and an understanding that in the coming months museum budgets will be greatly diminished.

READ FULL STATEMENT HERE

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

June 3, 2020

Dear SEMC,

Over the past week many of us have been struggling to find words to express our outrage, grief and disbelief. The horrific killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others make it clear that our nation continues to fail many of our fellow Americans as racial violence and systemic injustice against Black people continues. SEMC shares in the outpouring of grief and anger at the senseless loss of lives and stands in solidarity with those around the world appealing for an end to racism, inequality, brutality and fear.

Museums have a mission to tell the stories inherent in their collections. Our SEMC community must work together to amplify and strengthen the work of museums to combat institutional racism, injustice, and violence against people of color. The Southeastern Museums Conference exists to connect museum professionals and support our organizations. SEMC will provide space for our museum community to speak up, share what they are doing to affect change, and stand up as allies. By sharing, we can learn from one another, foster hope, and work together toward meaningful change.

I would like to draw your attention to the work of SEMC’s Equity and Inclusion Action Team and their powerful statement of solidarity. This dynamic, inclusive group provides resources and space for dialogue and

“seeks to break down actual and perceived barriers that inhibit access to our institutions, and guide our museums toward equitable practices for traditionally marginalized people including, but not limited to people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and differently-abled individuals.”

I encourage you to visit their site, get involved, and add your voice to the conversation.

SEMC Council and staff value inclusivity, honesty and genuine empathy and urge the SEMC community to take action to become better allies in the effort to dismantle systemic racism. SEMC will support this work with upcoming events and resources. We recognize—and are committed to engaging in—the vast amount of work to be done to build true equity.

Respectfully,

Zinnia Willits, SEMC Executive Director