New Black LIves matter signage replaces sign that was vandalized last year---we will continue to fight hate, bigotry and discrimination against all
Yesterday members of the Town Board and the community dedicated new signage around town highlighting our commitment to fight hate and discrimination in town. Councilman Ken Jones discussed the importance of fostering the “Black Lives Matter” movement. New BLM signs constructed along side our Greenburgh Town “Billboards” and the about to be created, Black History art mural installation around the Route 287 overpass system, are examples of our Town Board’s commitment to presenting Greenburgh as one community with a profound respect for culture and difference. We thank civic leader Cliff Abrams for his hard work advocating for this initiative. He spoke at the dedication ceremony.
Last spring, in the middle of the night, someone destroyed a similar sign . The police have placed cameras near the new signs. In the event that the signage is destroyed -we hope that the person committing the act of hate will smile since he/she will be on camera and it will be easier to find the person and make an arrest. Sad that we have to take that action but the town will not tolerate acts of hate against anyone.
Most recently, I was pleased to sponsor, and the Town Board was proud to pass, a resolution condemning antisemitism, at the request of Jewish groups who have had real concerns at the alarming increase in attacks on Jewish institutions and individuals. Last year the Town Board highlighted our support for the LGBTQ community by participating in a flag raising ceremony at Town Hall. Maria Portilla is our liaison to the hispanic community- volunteering her time assisting Hispanics overcome challenges living in our community. And, a number of years ago I spoke out against an Islamophobia Billboard at Metro North train stations. Early on -when Chinese restaurants were boycotted during the pandemic, we spoke out against that action -encouraged residents to support our local Chinese owned restaurants.
However, the unacceptable level of hate in the world, which inevitably spills over into our community and the discrimination of not just African Americans and Jews, but Women, Latinos, members of the LGBTQ community, Muslims, Asians….and the list regrettably goes on and on, has led me to a sad conclusion. There is not an organized coalition of people, those who have suffered the same discriminatory attacks based upon their race, creed, religion, beliefs, or sexual orientation standing together as one, to publicly denounce the actions of those who hate.
Can you imagine, if the members of all these groups were able to organize and stand together as one force, against hate, discrimination, and bias, just how much power would be available to make change?
A link to the story that appeared on News12 can be seen by clicking onto the link below.