Resolution in Support of Black Lives Matter
WHEREAS, since 2014, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Walter Scott, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Stephon Clark, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd are broadly recognized to have been killed by police during apparently non-threatening conditions;
WHEREAS, black men, women, and children should not fear for their lives for simply existing;
WHEREAS, Black Lives Matter is more than just an organization whose mission is “to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.” “Black Lives Matter” is a standard. It is a declaration that there should be equal protection under the law for black people. It is what we need our nation to accept, respect and act accordingly;
WHEREAS, we need to educate ourselves, our families and our friends about ways to eradicate racism and end years of systemic racism.
WHEREAS, it is in the interests of all citizens to confront the racism within our communities and seek change through policies that will end police brutality and make Florida and America a more just, safe and equitable place to live; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Constitution establishes our government for purposes including: “Justice”, “domestic Tranquility”, “the common defense”, and our “general Welfare”;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER, for the sake of our community, are committed to government actions to support creation of communities free of anti-Blackness, where every Black person enjoys freedom and justice with the social, economic, and political power to thrive with all people.
Passed this 16th day of July, 2020
