At the same time as our neighborhood and our nation are working to securely emerge from the extended impression of the COVID-19 pandemic menace, one other main subject has risen to the high of the native, state, and nationwide public agenda – and it should be straight addressed by all of us.
An extended-term sample of disparate remedy of Black individuals by some cops was tragically mirrored anew in the horrible loss of life final week of George Floyd in Minneapolis. We all know that the overwhelming majority of cops are devoted, brave, and right here to serve us all equally. However the stunning video of cops apparently and blatantly abusing their energy with extreme pressure that price Mr. Floyd his life has been the viral story correctly dominating an necessary public dialogue in each neighborhood of America. It has created a pivotal second in time for all of us that summons our collective have to collaborate and cooperate as by no means earlier than.
The cruel, power actuality of the absence of equal justice beneath the legislation, demonstrated by such frequently documented grievous incidents, cries out for a neighborhood, state, and nationwide dedication to make overdue adjustments in insurance policies, procedures, and protocols in legislation enforcement businesses – to undertake finest practices that deal with all pretty and equally. However it additionally strongly argues for an trustworthy evaluation of different elementary shortcomings in any societal establishment that fails to deal with all individuals with equal respect, dignity, and alternative.
Peaceable demonstrations in our neighborhood and dozens of communities throughout the nation are clear proof that People wish to confront the actuality of institutional racism inside legislation enforcement and different main spheres of our American society. The landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based mostly on race, faith, gender, or nationwide origin – however a legislation itself doesn’t eradicate racism, prejudice, and discrimination. That job takes extra ongoing work than the historic passage of a chunk of laws. Excessive teams on both finish of the political spectrum should not be allowed to hijack peaceable progress towards the necessary finish consequence of an America that’s really equal and inclusive.
The Better Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce embraces its mission to be a catalyst for enterprise and neighborhood progress – and a trusted convener for productive dialogue about the main challenges in entrance of our neighborhood. We absolutely will dedicate ourselves to working with all stakeholders to advertise the applicable cures and reforms to festering systemic issues that make prejudice, discrimination, and racism an unsightly day by day reality for thus many of our neighbors, buddies, and co-workers.
The Chamber is a constant voice for enterprise and a stronger economic system – however we’re additionally deeply invested in attempting to enhance the high quality of life for all who reside, work, be taught, and go to right here.
This second in time in Tallahassee, Florida, and America represents a novel tipping level alternative. We’re known as upon now to summon the higher angels in all of us as half of a real dedication to ferret out institutional racism in all places it exists – and to maneuver our neighborhood, state, and nation to the increased floor that really creates a long-lasting basis of equality for all.
We’re proud to reside in a various neighborhood that celebrates the many variations in cultures, beliefs, and traditions of our residents. We additionally acknowledge that all of us have necessary work to do, collectively. For us to comprehend our greatest doable future, it’s the enterprise of all of us to make sure that each citizen feels protected, appreciated, equal, and empowered to construct a fulfilling life. That’s an important half of the ongoing mission we intend to proceed serving for this excellent neighborhood.
