Dear community members,
We are disheartened by the senseless killing by police officers of yet another unarmed and restrained black man – this time George Floyd. Too many persons of color have died at the hands of those given the public trust of protecting each of us. And despite the outcry each time this happens, nothing significant seems to have changed. We worry that it is only a matter of time until the next person of color is slain.
We call on our elected mayors, our appointed police chiefs, and the unions that represent police officers to address the institutional and cultural factors and the clauses in police labor contracts that allow too many police officers to act with reckless impunity towards persons of color. We do not need to see these leaders issue statements or “take a knee”. Instead, we insist they make real and substantial changes to ensure police officers are not something persons of color need protection from. We yearn for the day black parents do not need to “have the talk” with their sons.
I know many of you are active in the fight for social justice and in efforts to create a world that is fair to and safe for all of our children. Thank you for these efforts.
Edward Myers Hayes
President and CEO
Cayuga Centers
