To our Cedar Falls community, please see the below message from Mayor Rob Green regarding a silent vigil to be held on June 6 in recognition of George Floyd:
Neighbors,
Last week, I provided an official City statement on social media expressing my horror at George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis peace officer. In that statement (and a follow-on article), I noted initiatives already being pursued by the City of Cedar Falls and other area stakeholders to actively address racial injustice in our community. In the coming weeks and months, I will work closely with local law enforcement to ensure that policies, training, and culture are aligned to prevent such a travesty from occurring in Cedar Falls.
It is vital that Cedar Falls take a visible stand. On Saturday, June 6th, from 7pm to 8pm, a public assembly in Overman Park will hold a silent vigil for George Floyd, as well as in mourning of systemic racial injustice in North America, dating back four centuries. I invite Cedar Falls residents to attend in a show of solidarity as Americans do the very hard work of addressing and reconciling racial injustice locally, regionally, and nationally. I’ll be there and I hope you’ll join me – while keeping in mind the social distancing guidance for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
In light of current controversies and clashes, I will state that I strongly support -- and the City of Cedar Falls will protect -- Americans exercising their constitutional right to assemble in protest. I have no concerns regarding peaceful protest, and appreciate that this important civic activity is not to be confused with rioting or opportunistic looting, or civil disturbance by separate groups with agendas all their own. Resist any urge to equate these very different activities; it’s no overstatement to say that the future of our Republic depends on it.
Very respectfully,
Mayor Robert M. Green