San Bernardino County has now declared racism a public well being disaster.
“The time to do what is true is now not pressing. The time is now. Black boys and black ladies should be wholesome and entire as they change into Black girls and Black males,” a resident mentioned. “The place my household and I will not worry my brother and his pals going out to the mall with out being racially profiled.”
Passionate testimony got here from members of the African American neighborhood, calling racism in San Bernardino County a significant disaster. On Tuesday they pleaded with county supervisors for change.
Moments later, supervisors unanimously voted to declare racism within the county a public well being disaster.
This implies an fairness group will now be fashioned consisting of Black neighborhood leaders and specialists from everywhere in the county.
Their job can be to look at the results of racism, together with healthcare, housing, training and workforce growth.
The declaration comes on the heels of the latest George Floyd police brutality protests which highlighted disparities in justice and high quality of life in communities of shade.
County supervisors say acknowledging the issue is essential however really doing one thing about it’s key, and their objective is to seek out methods to cease systemic racism.
“I’m so proud that we’ve a chance to result in institutional change rethinking revamping revitalizing your entire San Bernardino County neighborhood,” Josie Gonzales mentioned.
Morris-Dugbartey is a counselor at Blu Instructional Basis which helps minority teams get entry to greater training. She mentioned she believes the declaration is a a lot wanted step towards equality.
“We face racism each day whether or not it is at work, in school, strolling down the road,” she mentioned. “I do hope and pray that San Bernardino County all neighborhood members take the time to coach your self unlearn what you have discovered. Be taught for the longer term and plan for one of the best.”