EQUITY AND RACE IN THE VALLEY
DREAM TEAMWORK
As Valley Leaders Seek Better Racial Equity, MLK’s Vision Still Beckons Special to Today Magazine
IN THE WAKE of the horrific killing of George Floyd on Memorial Day 2020, many citizens across America have embarked on a renewed journey toward greater racial equity. Since February is Black History Month, this is an appropriate juncture to take stock of our efforts here in the Farmington Valley to realize more fully the dream Martin Luther King Jr. voiced nearly 50 years ago. Today Magazine has reached out to the town leaders. legislators and police chiefs of the five core Farmington Valley towns — Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby and Simsbury — for comment about this edition’s coverage of our recurring series, Equity and Race in the Valley. • These five Valley towns are represented in the U.S. House by two congressional representatives, in the Connecticut House by five state representatives, and in the Connecticut Senate by four state senators, though not strictly along town lines — italicized below underneath the legislators’ names are the Valley towns they represent. D = Democrat • R = Republican • Town leaders are listed in alphabetical order by town. Comments by state senators and state and U.S. representatives are listed in alphabetical order by last name. Today Magazine asked these Valley officials these three questions: • Maximum word count for answers — 210
1 — As our nation continues to deal with the fallout of George Floyd’s tragic death on Memorial Day 2020, what do you see as the most essential issue related to racial equity in 2021?
3 — As I reread Dr. King’s memorable message of hope, I too find hope that our country can move forward and learn from the experiences of the past year. I hope that racial tensions will subside and people can come together in a show of unity. The words of Dr. King are so powerful and the message so strong, but the line that truly moves me to tears is that “little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Dr. King’s words show the faith and hope that he had in humanity. Bob Bessel • Canton First Selectman 1 — George Floyd’s death is a call for each of us to see our own role in racial inequity and to take action that changes the social climate that allows these tragedies to happen. 2 — The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many others have generated a broad sense of urgency in our society. Inaction is recognized for what it is: acceptance of future tragedies. 3 — I hope that we can judge each other by the strength of our character, not the color of our skin. With more citizens and local governments launching equity initiatives, we have the best chance yet to realize Dr. King’s dream. C.J. Thomas Farmington Town Council Chair 1 — Communication and education are the most essential issues. Only when we all understand and recognize that racial inequality exists, can we take action to address and improve our national situation.
2 — What do you see as the most constructive step toward addressing the issue you’ve identified in Question #1?
3 — In view of the dream Martin Luther King Jr. voiced nearly five decades ago, what is your hope for race relations in America in the next decade?
TOWN LEADERS Heather Maguire Avon Town Council Chair 1 — In Avon we have strived to be an inclusive community. In the months since George Floyd’s tragic death, Avon has run programs and held forums that bring awareness to racial inequity. 2 — Keeping the lines of communication open, educating our community and honest discussion will lead to greater understanding. 4
FEBRUARY 2021 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE
2 — In July, Farmington created our Racial Equality Task Force “to examine and create a plan to develop strategies and community partnerships to address racial inequality, to educate residents and to increase awareness about Black Lives by identifying areas of improvement in the community and to recommend an action plan to eliminate factors that lead to inequality.” Action items presented to the Town Council in January have already begun to be implemented. 3 — In MLK’s words, “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy … to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood … to make justice a reality for all of God’s children. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity.” B. Scott Kuhnly • Granby First Selectman 1 — There are too many essential issues related to racial equity; we must do better to address racial inequalities that exist in healthcare, education, housing, community policy, etc. It must start by committing to antiracist practices, within our own selves and our own communities. 2 — We must continue to educate ourselves and provide access to resources in our communities that address racial inequality and promote anti-racist practices. 3 — I hope for the day when no American has to live in fear. When we can truly feel proud to be united, knowing our fellow Americans, especially Black Americans and