Hartford – Adrienne W. Cochrane, JD, CEO YWCA Hartford Region
While news of the arrest of the police officer involved in the murder of George Floyd is a start, no amount of justice will erase the horror of something we cannot un-see and we cannot un-feel. Now, we must give the benefit of the doubt to a justice system that has failed on more than one occasion to deliver justice. We offer our condolences and prayers to the family and friends of George Floyd in the hope that this time will be different. Time will tell.
YWCA Hartford Region shares the nation’s outrage at yet another senseless death at the hands of police officers sworn to serve and protect the community and its citizens. We are deeply saddened to see that another black life did not matter to the man who committed this atrocity. The level of cold-hearted depravity it took to commit this heinous act is unfathomable to many. But, it happened. Again. And this must stop NOW!
We stand in solidarity with our YWCA colleagues in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul communities, and throughout the nation, in rising up for justice and the end to racial hatred and indifference for human life.
Blatant and subtle forms of racism and bigotry have no place in our society. YWCA Hartford Region is committed to ensuring human decency and respect prevail. Our vision is to create unlimited opportunities in our community. Opportunities that instill racial, social and gender equity in all we do.
Today, we re-commit to building programs and services that place humanity at the forefront of our work. YWCA Hartford Region prides itself on being a multi-cultural organization with tireless advocates working every day to fight injustice. We will not back away from difficult conversations and advocating for women, girls and families of color.
This is the time to walk unapologetically in our mission of helping to build a strong community where peace, justice, and freedom reign. Now is the moment in our storied history for all of us to come together and commit to a world where racial and social justice is no longer just talked about; our actions must be stronger than our words. – Photos by Marc Yves Regis
