My Clearwater
Fall 03
We Stand in Solidarity
We stand in solidarity with those horrified by
the police response in Minneapolis. Law
enforcement professionals nationwide were
among the first to condemn the brutality.
I am personally encouraged at the attention that systemic
racism and discriminatory practices are finally receiving.
We have seen massive protests across the entire country
with people of diverse backgrounds standing, marching
and kneeling together unified for social and criminal justice
reform and demanding change in excessive policing tactics.
Mayor Hibbard released a statement to the community in
June 2020, stating that we do not tolerate that behavior
from our employees and that he personally will be a
champion for change. At the time this publication went
to press, he was in the planning stages to participate in a
regional summit on race relations. Visit myclearwater.com to
learn more about the summit once plans are under way.
People are tired, angry and frustrated yet hopeful that change
will come. We support everyone who decides to exercise
their constitutional right to peacefully protest. We ask that
it be done civilly, safely and in accordance with applicable
laws. To truly affect change, we will need to continue to have
uncomfortable conversations regarding race inequities for
people and communities of color and continue to push for
reform after the protests end.
If you are asking, “What can I do to help?” there are
numerous ways to advocate for change including the
following:
• Educate yourself on social and criminal justice disparities.
• Vote and truly know for whom and for what you are
voting.
• Reach out to your elected officials and express your views.
• Support nonprofit social justice/reform/equality
organizations.
• If you hear racist comments, speak up and don’t be silent.
• Protest peacefully and safely.
Black Lives Matter, as a phrase, offends some people.
However, this does not mean that All Lives do not matter.
It means that black lives, based on history, continue to be
adversely impacted the most. This is meant to shed light on
the systemic issues that have plagued the black community
nationwide.
As an organization, we will continue to take the initiative
in supporting diversity, equity and inclusion throughout
the city. Being bright and beautiful means being the light to
shine on inequities and to stand together in solidarity with
our staff and community stakeholders.
In the words of the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Bill Horne
City Manager
City of Clearwater
/myclearwater.com