City Council supports Black Lives Matter

“So often during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic we hear of the desire to return to normal, but if this is what normal looks like then we have no business going back there in the first place. In fact, we have a moral obligation as elected officials to ensure that not only do we refuse to return to that level normalcy, but that we build a better future for our friends, family, neighbors and our community,” said Councilor Mejia as she introduced a resolution in support of federal action condemning police brutality, racial profiling and the use of excessive and militarized force.



Recent news stories detailing the murder of George Floyd and other unarmed people of color have not only sparked outrage and protests across the country, but have taken a physical toll on communities, further deepening the emotional trauma which people carry with them everyday.



Homicide is the fourth leading cause of death for Black men in the United States and according to the Los Angeles Times, Black men are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by the police than their White counterparts, with Black women more likely to be killed at higher rates than White women.



“In the interest of speaking truth even when it makes my voice shake, I would like to say racism is not new. Racial inequity is here in Boston. Systemic racism is here in Boston… These are not new issues,” said Councilor Arroyo, a co-sponsor of the resolution.



The resolution that was adopted during this week’s Council meeting supports Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s resolution which addresses disparities in our police system. “We don’t want to go back to normal. Normal has been killing us. I’m really proud to sponsor this. As I said before, this is a critical time in our nation's history, and just like Black lives, how we respond in Boston matters,” said Council President Janey.



There were many emotional remarks from Councilors regarding the current state of the nation. Listen to all of their remarks.