Emanuel Cleaver: Millions of American are stating we will not accept these injustices, change must come

(From Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver)

I hope you, your family, and your loved ones are staying safe as our nation continues to fight the spread of COVID-19.

As I’m sure you are aware, last week the nation witnessed the tragic murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.

Despite Mr. Floyd’s repeated pleas of “I can’t breathe,” onlookers captured on camera and watched in horror the killing of another Black man at the hands of law enforcement. This tragedy comes in the wake of similar murders of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.

Racism has been a pervasive problem in America since the first enslaved Africans were brought to this continent in 1619. 

From slavery to Jim Crow to mass incarceration, for centuries racism has denied black men and women their humanity and the respect and dignity every person is entitled to as a human being.

While this boogeyman retreats into the closet or under the bed for periods of time, we have never been able to fully exorcize this demon from our nation even to this day. 

Tragically, we witnessed its evil presence in Minneapolis when a law enforcement officer killed George Floyd with several others watching only feet away.

Since this dastardly deed was made public, we have witnessed civil unrest across the nation, with protests arising in every state in our union. 

While a small minority of opportunists have sought to use this tragedy to create chaos, the vast majority of people have courageously stayed peaceful and demanded systemic changes to our criminal justice system. I am so incredibly proud and thankful for the millions of peaceful protesters who have organized, strategized, and marched for the marginalized.

When I went down to the Kansas City Plaza last weekend to participate and speak to one of these protests, it brought me immense joy when I looked out to see the most beautiful rainbow of Americans standing up for the civil rights of others and equality for all. 

The United States of America has always made its greatest progress when people of all colors and walks of life have joined together to move the nation forward. This week feels like an energy of activism has awoken across the country demanding a better future for all of our citizens.

As activists flooded the streets, Congresswoman Sharice Davids and I had a conversation about the history of race, justice, and equity in America as well as some changes we want to see in our current system that you can watch here.

In Congress, I remain committed to delivering transformative legislation that will bring true justice for all. I have already cosponsored several pieces of legislation that would address some of the issues we’re seeing, including the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act, the Police Accountability Act, and the National De-Escalation of Violence and Community Safety Training Act. However, more must be done.

The Congressional Black Caucus has had several meetings this week on criminal justice and police reform, and a legislative package addressing the systemic racism that caused the killing of George Floyd is forthcoming. When this legislation is made public, I will be sure to make you aware.

I know that the tragedies of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor have shaken the American people to their core, but it is important that we do not fall into the mindset of hopelessness and despair. As we have seen this week, millions and millions of Americans have stated publicly that we will not accept these injustices and that change must come. May their voices give you strength to keep pushing.

As the fight for progress continues, I will be with you every step of the way.