In light of protests nationwide, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is reacting to the murder of George Floyd, indicating that “it speaks to the centuries old racism and biases,” vowing to continue working with local leaders in the African American community for equality.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I have tried to make it a personal policy over the years to not post on issues which didn’t happen in Jersey City, however, the murder of George Floyd is different. It speaks to the centuries old racism and biases that have existed in our country and sadly still exist today,” the mayor said.
“I know growing up white in America it is impossible for me to fully appreciate the hardships and struggles that a person has knowing that they are often treated differently solely because of the color of skin; however not being able to experience that firsthand doesn’t change my disgust for what we see time and again with regards to police brutality and racial bias towards the African American community.”
Fulop also extended his condolences to Floyd’s family, noting that he should still be alive today and acknowledges that further work needs to be done in Jersey City to ensure that every community is “always treated equally and fairly.”
Floyd was killed on May 25th after Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, kneeled on his neck for several minutes while he was handcuffed.
Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter and three other officers at the scene are under investigation, with the FBI involving in a civil rights probe of the incident.
Earlier this week, Jersey City Ward E Councilman Councilman James Solomon called for a civilian complaint review board and inclusionary housing regulations to “combat racism.”
Fulop responded that he had previously spoke in favor of both issues, though Newark’s civilian review board is in litigation and an inclusionary zoning ordinance was tabled by the council last year.
Yesterday, large scale protests in New York City, particularly Brooklyn, led to dozens being arrested, NYPD officers injured, and police vehicles set on fire, CBS New York reported.
Black Lives Matter protests are rumored to be coming to Jersey City and Hoboken next week, though nothing appears to have been formalized yet.