HRC Statement on the Death of George Floyd

The Dayton Human Relations Council (HRC) in conjunction with the HRC Board expresses our deepest condolences to the Floyd family in Minneapolis. We are deeply saddened and outraged at the senseless killing of Mr. Floyd.

The killing of George Floyd is unacceptable. We are grieving this unnecessary and heartbreaking loss of a human life and the inequities it lays bare. We must change this and create a new narrative that supports the lives of all people. We are painfully aware of the work that remains before we can say that we live in a just society. For change to occur, we must begin to look at racism as a public health issue. We call on policy makers on all levels of government not to shrink from action by ensuring that justice is served in a fair and equitable manner and that necessary action is taken to address the casual taking of Black lives throughout our nation.

As an organization that views equity as our responsibility, we are deeply invested in reforming systems that affords the same rights to all people, regardless of the color of their skin. We stand with our community today in calling for justice in the horrific events that ended George Floyd’s life.

We best honor victims of violence such as Mr. Floyd by holding those accountable for his senseless death, and intentionally changing systems that seem to collude with these acts of violence. Therefore, we are urging all who deal with the emotional scars and personal loss to continue to reach out and engage in critical conversations, take meaningful and peaceful action, and move towards a better space for all residents who live, work, and play in Dayton.

“There comes a time when one must take a position, that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because his conscious tells him that it is right.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Erica Fields, Executive Director

Paul Bradley, Board Chair