Statement on meeting with community activists

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to engage with local community activists that have participated in 62 days of protesting since the horrific events surrounding George Floyd’s death.

Just as I stood before my constituents to hear their concerns about what troubled them when the activists visited their neighborhood, I made myself available to listen to the activists, some of whom are constituents, to hear their stories of how some of them lost their loved ones after encounters with police.

With tears in their eyes they shared their personal stories, frustrations with the justice system, and policing policies that remind them of the racist Chief Breier days. Families who have lost loved ones at the hands of police brutality should not have to wait any longer for justice.

Looking at the overall totality of my statement from Monday, it was damaging, dangerous and inaccurate.

The movement was not meant to be convenient for anybody, nor was it meant to harm those standing up for change. Protests are a first amendment right, and no one has any right to tell someone how to participate in civil disobedience. The protests that have been going on for 62 strong days are peaceful and filled with love. I have always been a strong advocate and voice for the oppressed, and I will continue to stand up for my black and brown brothers and sisters.

My meeting with activists was the first step in opening the lines of communication and understanding how we can best work together to achieve a common goal of peaceful communities where all are treated fairly and police are held accountable.

We are all growing and learning through these experiences. I am no exception.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.