Last night we bore witness to violent attacks against our beloved Providence and every member of our community. The grief that so many are feeling over the loss of George Floyd is palpable, and many of us around the country find ourselves grasping to make sense of the systemic racism in our culture, and what we as white allies can do to end it.

As Providence, like so many other cities around the world, continues to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic many of our small businesses were just starting to reopen their doors. Some of these businesses employ some of our lowest-wage earners. This night of violence and destruction has caused further harm to those individuals that are most vulnerable amongst us in Providence and Rhode Island.

I believe in raising our voices and calling out injustice. The pain that so many are feeling over yet another black man who senselessly died at the hands of a white man has shaken many to their core. That rage needs to be focused on fighting for change. Violence and destruction only serves to create more pain and sorrow. Sixty-five people were arrested last night. Some may be charged with serious crimes. That just adds further pain and suffering.

This is a time for us to come together and unite because divided we will fall. Our nation cannot afford to fall any further into this cycle of disparity and inequity. Each of us has a vital part to play in the healing of our nation, which is centuries overdue.

I want our community of color to know that I see you, I hear you, and I stand with you. I will advocate with my colleagues to help end the systemic racism that is a plague on our soil. We must do this together. Your voices need to be heard.