Worcester NAACP Reflects Two Years After George Floyd Murder

Worcester MA

25 May, 2022

4:27 PM

Description

The following editorial does not necessarily reflect the views of Worcester Patch It has been two years since the murder of George Floyd. Two years, in a way it seems like such a long time ago, in another way it seems like yesterday. When this murder happened, there was a feeling that this is it. It is the straw that broke the camel's back. There was a serious sense of unity regarding the outrage over what had happened. Most of us agreed that there need to be some changes made. For once in my life, it seemed like most people around the world spoke loudly to say, "Black Lives Matter." Although it was a sad event that brought this to be, it was also a good feeling. Allies rushed to provide donations and join Black-led organizations as a show of both support and in some cases atonement due to their guilt of how we as Black people have been treated throughout the history of this country. We are the only group in this country that was taken from our origins, beaten, raped, killed, and forced to provide free labor for 246 yrs. We literally built the foundation of this country without being paid. Over the past 2 years, we have had time to reflect. There has been very little progress throughout the country. In many cases, people have actually become more open about their racism. Since the murder of George Floyd there have been many instances where Black lives have not been valued. There have been many senseless killings not only by law enforcement officials but white supremacists. Consider the evil that was displayed just 11 days ago in Buffalo. The gun used had the words n****r written on it in white paint. For a long time, it has been dangerous to be Black in America. When things like this happen, it reaffirms the danger. Please, continue to stand with us in shouting BLACK LIVES MATTER! Here in Worcester, we have taken steps forward and some steps back. We worked hard to get a diversity officer with adequate pay that would reflect the importance of this position. We also wanted this person to have the support needed to succeed in creating a more inclusive space throughout the city. A diversity officer was hired. The position was only filled for 18 months. Many municipalities have had the challenges of retaining a diversity officer. Before George Floyd was murdered, the average tenure for a diversity officer was 37 months. Now, the average tenure for a diversity officer is roughly half that. Why is that? Is it a lack of support? Are people taking these jobs and finding out it's more work than they expected? Is there a lack of autonomy and authority in these positions? After a community outcry to remove police from the Worcester Public Schools, that request was granted. We are five months in now, but the Worcester School Safety Task Force, on which the NAACP is a sitting member, has still not seen a final draft MOU between the WPD and WPS. Several years ago, the community called for the contract of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Binienda not to be renewed. This past summer, it was finally announced that it would not be renewed. We are now in the process of hiring a new superintendent. Rachel Monarrez has been chosen to lead the WPS. She will become the first Latina to lead the Worcester Public School. Her hiring was quickly followed by the appointment of the City of Worcester's first Latino Acting City Manager Eric Batista. We applaud the thorough process done by the Superintendent Search Committee. We hope that a search for the next City Manager will follow a process like the one for the WPS Superintendent. We remain concerned and critical that there are currently no Black leaders in the City of Worcester Administration. It is clear, that there is still a lot of work to be done to build equity within the city. We along with our allies not only have to say, "I'm not a racist," but "I am ANTI-racist." Anyone who's not willing to say that is part of the problem. We need more accountability for anyone in power who sits idle and does not call out racism for what it is. Let's not forget how we felt Two years ago. Let's not let up on fighting for equality. For George Floyd, let us continue to say. BLACK LIVES MATTER! —Fred Taylor, President Worcester NAACP