George Floyd's Death and A Call To Action

George Floyd’s death is the latest in an unendingly long list of violent acts and prejudice perpetrated against people of color by bad law enforcement officers and others motivated by racism. These racist acts are enabled by a system, and a society, that actively commits and passively or even unknowingly tolerates discrimination against people of color. The protests now occurring in cities around the world are a call to action to stop this pervasive, long-standing and devastating injustice. If we believe in treating others as we wish to be treated, we must all heed that call.

We encourage you to join us in a community conversation to explore what we can do, individually and as a community, to help here in Erie, and in all aspects of our lives. The first event in this conversation will take place next Thursday evening, June 11th, at 7:00PM. For information on how to join the conversation, see this link: https://bit.ly/ErieLiveStream. Thursday’s conversation will be facilitated by Justin Brooks.

Fruitful conversations depend on active listening and sharing. We need to hear the experiences and perspectives of those who face discrimination. Better understanding of what others encounter—especially others’ experiences of which we may be unaware—will help inform our actions going forward. If you have been discriminated against, please join the conversation and share your experience and views on what must change. If you don’t feel discrimination from others, please listen in and hear what you can do to help others.

Thank you.

On behalf of the Erie Board of Trustees,

Jennifer Carroll, Mayor