Port Of New York Takes Lead In Official USCG Response To BLM

Two days ago gCaptain reported on the industry’s lack of response to the Black Lives Matter movement and the fact that, while the United States Navy and Military Sealift Command have issued strong messages of support for minority sailors, the United States Coast Guard has remained mostly silent on the issue.

Yesterday, however, Captain Jason Tama, USCG Captain of the Port of New York and New Jersey, released a video acknowledging that “not all Americans have enjoyed equal protection under the law due to discrimination and racism.” The video was subsequently promoted on Twitter by Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. Have a look:

Earlier this month, Admiral Schultz issued a letter to the men and women of the Coast Guard reminding them that the “Coast Guard’s strength resides our Core Values – Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty” and promoting a “stronger together” message, however, the letter did not address specifically the issue of racism or the Black Lives Matter movement.

#ICYMI Tuesday, I sent a message to the entire Coast Guard workforce. The Coast Guard's strength resides our Core Values – Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. We are #StrongerTogether. pic.twitter.com/7Xtpn6f8DY

— Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (@ComdtUSCG) June 4, 2020

Those wishing to learn more about supporting black and minority mariners can visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, or join or donate to minority groups such as Women Offshore and the Association Of Black Maritime Graduates.

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