Part 1: League statements to contemplate
Statement on the Death of George Floyd, by the League of Women Voters of Minnesota:
The League of Women Voters of Minnesota stands in solidarity with our fellow Minnesotans who grieve the loss of George Floyd and condemn the horrendous circumstances of his death. We call on our law enforcement officials to provide transparency during this investigation, and to seek justice for him, his family, and his community. And we stand ready to work with our government officials and the community to pass meaningful reforms that will address systemic racism, the heart of these tragic killings that disproportionately target Black people. Elected officials must be responsive to the calls for change that have gone unheard.
Standing In Solidarity with the Black Community, the statement of the League of Women Voters of the United States. Excerpt:
. . . As a democracy and voting rights organization, we must be part of the progress that is catalyzed at this moment. In the coming weeks and months, we will be supporting our partners in the civil rights community who are working on legislation and policy reforms focused on creating systemic change in our government institutions, starting with unjust policing. We have been invited to do this work, but we must remember that we come to the table as allies. We will listen to civil rights leaders spearheading this effort, and we will use our power, our talents, and our collective voices to support and amplify their work . . .
Statement on Violence Against Black People Throughout the United States, by the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts. Excerpt:
. . . As the Massachusetts League, we grieve and share the horror at the brutal acts toward our fellow Black citizens. We demand accountability at all levels of our government which is “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Here in Massachusetts we commit as individuals and as a League to hold ourselves accountable: to listen to Black voices in our communities and the Commonwealth, to educate ourselves better and stand against the racism prevalent in our society, and to advocate for policies and practices to eliminate systemic racism in Massachusetts . . .