The Village of Riverside is saddened and angered by the horrific death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to those in the Minneapolis community struggling to deal with its aftermath.
This heartbreaking act has rightly sparked legitimate protests across our nation about the need to address systemic racism and the historic vestiges of inequality and racial injustice. We support the fight against racism and the peaceful protests striving to bring awareness to this critical issue. The tragic list of names to which Mr. Floyd now belongs must end.
In the midst of this tragedy, we must seize the opportunity for constructive dialogue to assure that Mr. Floyd did not die in vain. We will not be able to heal the wounds to our national spirit until we put an end to the cause of our suffering – unconscionable acts born of ignorance and hate and sustained by apathy and indifference.
The Village of Riverside works tirelessly to build trust and respectful relationships within our village. Our police department receives constant training on de-escalation, mental health, social justice issues, and other issues around restorative justice. The actions of the officers involved in Mr. Floyd’s death are anathema to the noble call to protect and serve.
The Village of Riverside is committed to cultural outreach and transparency. We strive to be a community of diversity, welcoming all who want to be part of our community. And we will steadfastly reject calls that would divide us or breathe clouds of hate into our village.
As we struggle to respond to the enormous losses suffered in Minneapolis and other cities across the country, we must rededicate ourselves to answering the call of our better angels. We will only heal when we have a nation where all people are duly blessed with the opportunities and protections of justice and equality.