The Department of History, Geography, and Philosophy at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette knows that Black lives matter and we stand with Black Lives Matter activists. We are saddened and angered by the murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and so many unnamed others. Coupled with the devastating public health and economic impact COVID-19 has had on communities of color, particularly in Louisiana, it should be clear to all that today’s problems have deep roots.