For Immediate Release
July 24th 2020
Local residents and organizations call for racial justice in the City
New Britain— July 24th 2020 — Today in front of City Hall local leaders will be gathering to call on local politicians and other community organizations to support a “People’s Agenda” for racial justice and economic equity in the City of New Britain. The New Britain Racial Justice Coalition and the Black Ministerial Alliance are spearheading efforts to push for systemic changes in public institutions
“New Britain has a long history of systemic racism and economic inequality. It’s important that we as community leaders acknowledge this and actively dismantle these forces,” said Alicia Strong, co-founder of the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition.
This agenda is directed at many different stakeholders in the City including local and state government. Some members of the group are displeased with the response from local officials thus far.
“We are unimpressed by the dismissive tone and disregard of the heart of the people. We support issues such as a strong and fully funded civilian review board, the removal of the Columbus statue and both the reform and the defunding of the police. The People’s Coalition of Central Connecticut unapologetically supports our community leaders and the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition on changes that will obviously make our communities safer and more cohesive,” said Tara Givens Smith, founder of the People’s Coalition of Central Connecticut.
An Agenda for All
In an effort to create a truly just and inclusive city, the group is pushing the People’s Agenda and hopes to see local politicians and community leaders endorse the agenda in its entirety. The agenda has attracted broad support from many different sectors of society.
“I fully support this agenda as a resident of New Britain, a member of the Black Ministerial Alliance and founder of ALM's Ministries International, Inc,” said Rev. André L. McGuire, J.D.
The main components of the agenda are as follows:
To the City of New Britain we are asking for,
The immediate removal of the Christopher Columbus Statue and the redistribution of funds used to maintain the statue towards grass-roots community projects.
The reallocation of police department funds towards institutions that address the root cause of crime: mental health and poverty
The re-appropriation of the School Resource Officer funds directly to the school district to be used on non-punitive, restorative justice in New Britain Schools
The creation of a Civilian Review Board with subpoena powers whose membership is selected by the community.
The hiring of Black and Latinx, New Britain residents to fill city job vacancies. This includes having Black and Latinx residents heading city departments
To the State of Connecticut we are asking for,
The passage of the police accountability bill (LCO# 347) An Act Concerning Police Accountability
The expansion of access to absentee ballots due to COVID-19
To our community organizations, business and non-profits we are asking for,
The full support of any community programs that promote voter registration and census completion in New Britain.
The provision of monetary, logistic and/or other forms of support towards projects that focus on dismantling racism and economic inequality in New Britain.
Broad Support from the Community
Local activists, religious leaders and community organizations are unifying on the issues presented in the People’s agenda. Most recently, an online petition started by Candyce Scott, calling for the removal of the Columbus statue in New Britain has sparked a broader interest in making big changes to the City. Many of New Britain’s Black leaders passionately advocate for the items on the agenda.
“Having a voice is incredible, and powerful. What we say with that voice should be responsible and intelligent. There is no reason why people of color should have to live in a community with statues and monuments that remind us of the cruelty and savagery of those people that caused us such great pain and humiliation. If the removal of this reminder brings healing and unity to our community, then let us take that step and strengthen our relationship as we walk together as responsible brothers and sisters in this new world,” said Reverend Gervais Barger, president of the Black Ministerial Alliance of New Britain.
The group plans to recruit more community members and expand the People’s Agenda in the next couple of months.
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For more information, press only:
PR Contact Name: Alicia Strong
Email: nbracialjustice@gmail.com
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