This is for George Floyd, his family, and all those whose lives have been lost, and families and communities impacted, because of historical injustices and inequities that have existed, have continued, and are exacerbated with every life that is lost. As I reflect on the last few days and the demonstrations and damage to so many people, I am reminded of Stonewell and the riots that occurred that brought the injustices to the LGBTQ community to the forefront.
When any group of people feel as if they are invisible, unheard, and in constant worry about their safety, security, and their lives – then one does what one needs to, in order to be heard. Loud voices do not always get heard – especially when the message is truth. I do not condone the looting and the destruction. I know that the efforts of those fighting for the loss of lives of individuals like George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, and Charleena Lyles, and many, many others, must not be in vain.
These are the values I hold and bring to my role as a lawmaker representing a vibrant and diverse community with many pressing needs. I have introduced and supported legislation to protect the rights and amplify the voices of those in our community who are marginalized and brutalized, and I will work ever harder to further these aims in the months and years to come.
I welcome your thoughts and ideas on what we can do legislatively to improve the institutions and correct the institutionalized practices that enable the violation and destruction of our neighbors and loved ones.
We can do better. We must do better. We must listen, we must learn, we must change. I must listen, I must learn, and I must be the change.
