Today’s headlines are full of news that 80 people died after a truck drove into a celebration of France’s national holiday. This is only the latest in headlines that fill us at the Albuquerque Community Foundation with sadness, outrage and anger.

Sadness that lives were lost on what should have been a joyous occasion. Sadness that there are people whose hearts overflow with hate. Sadness that families now mourn the senseless deaths of dear ones.

Outrage that in a time when many of us are working to lift up our communities, there are people without tolerance or acceptance. Who work only to destroy.

Anger that once again, we must explain to our children that our lessons to embrace differences have fallen on deaf ears. That people must once again wash away the blood of innocents.

We denounce the motives of anyone who destroys life. Who champions hate instead of tolerance. Who chooses to make those who are different – whether in gender, political viewpoint, sexual orientation or religion – into the enemy.

The Albuquerque Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of our community. The quality of our community depends on and is improved by all segments of it, regardless of color, creed, sexual orientation or background. We believe lifting up the community means everyone in it.

We urge you to love more and be more open to the differences that make our community special. Be kinder to one another. Share more of what makes us unique in the world. We are doing our best to be the examples of tolerance, acceptance and peace we wish to see in the world. We hope you join us. It’s the only way the world will change.