Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Create Citizen’s Panel to Address Much Needed Systemic Changes to Benefit the Black Community The videotaped killing of George Floyd was heartbreaking. People across this country are in pain and they want to see necessary and meaningful changes in the criminal justice system. Black people want and deserve the same thing as every American citizen - fair and equal treatment under the law. The repeated absence of fair and equal treatment is why so many people have had such an emotional reaction. However, violence and looting are not the answer. It is wrong, unacceptable, and does not fix anything. The City of Monroe and the Monroe Police department recognize & respect the right to peacefully protest and exercise freedom of speech. The Monroe Police Department is going to keep everyone safe while people share their concerns. We are thankful that the organizers and participants in local demonstrations are letting their voices be heard in a peaceful way – they deserve to be heard…they have a reason to be heard! We must all work together to build more bridges that bring us all together as one. The global demonstrations that we see on television are about more than George Floyd. The chants and cries of the thousands of people you see marching from state to state… and even from country to country…represent the over 400-years of pain and mistreatment that black people have always faced in America. You may not have created the problem. However, to fix a problem, we must first admit that it exists! And, then be willing to do something about it. Meaningful systemic change is needed in our country. While listening to the cries of those who are protesting, we must pay attention to what is really being said. One activist said we need to “Plan, Plot, Strategize and Mobilize to improve our communities!” Another young man said, “We need plans and solutions!” The black community, and those who support the black community, want to see real change. That means all of us who are in positions of power and control and all of us who have influence and resources…must come to the table. We must bring those crying out to the table and work together with them to address issues such as criminal justice reform, improving economic opportunities, housing equality, and addressing health disparities that plague minorities. It may be a touchy subject for some; but it is necessary! We can’t fix these issues, without admitting that they are real and need to be dealt with. As Mayor, I want to form a Citizen’s Panel to help address these issues that are very real to the Black community. Together, we can plan, strategize, and implement meaningful change in these areas! Monroe is One City, with One Future. We must work together to bring about the change we want to see in this world!