The Jersey City Council unanimously approved (9-0) a resolution establishing an official mental health day in honor of the late Andrew Washington at last night’s meeting.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
The resolution formally makes August 27th Andrew Jerome Washington III Mental Health Awareness Day, a day that is significant since that is when he was fatally shot by a police officer while wielding a knife in the midst of a mental health crisis in 2023.
“Justice for Drew! Justice for Drew! I look forward to you passing the resolution for recognizing Andrew Washington today,” activist Gina Davison said during public comment.
She also praised the governing body for making progress on social justice issues.
“Let’s just keep our eye on the prize. We still have to make a lot of changes,” Davison added.
Ward E Councilwoman Eleana Little lauded the concept of having a day to honor Washington’s life, as did Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore.
“I think it is extremely important we pay close attention to mental health, making sure we afford the community the necessary resources they need to flourish in today’s society,” Gilmore stated.
“Every day we should be in one way or form, thinking about those dealing with mental health issues,” added Councilman at-Large Michael Griffin said.
“I look forward to the city and, and, other organizations to come together and host just events … and workshops to support mental health, assistance here in Jersey City.”
Councilman at-Large Rolando Lavarro and Council President Denise Ridley also praised the agenda item.
“Thank you for bringing this forward and acknowledging Andrew Jerome Washington, and happy to support this and your efforts here,” noted Lavarro.
“We have made a commitment to, and we want to reaffirm that commitment to work on better mental health services and the availability of those services here in Jersey City. So it is important for us to remember those who suffered from mental illness here in Jersey City,” Ridley added.
The resolution passed unanimously (9-0).
Ridley noted Griffin wanted to allow Washington’s family to speak before proceeding with other agenda items.
Denise Ervin Davis, Washington’s aunt, expressed the significance of this action by the governing body.
“Justice for Drew for our families … To have other families really deal with the situation at hand, I’m still looking forward to the City Council still putting together a mental health program from the city that they have promised us,” she said.
At the March 11th meeting, the council formed a committee to address mental health crises, as only HCV reported.
Davis further explained that they want to increase mental health awareness in the community and work with the Jersey City Police Department as well.
“It’s about enhancing the police, not defunding the police. It’s about being able to recognize what’s going on…. We need social workers,” she stated.
“ … Work needs to be done in regard to how we’re going to service the people in our community. So, thank you so much,” Davis said to applause.
Doris Toni Ervin, Davis’ sister, also expressed gratitude to the electeds.
“Thank you for helping us bring more awareness to mental health issues and crisis. And thank you for working with us on our struggle to end this kind of tragedy, to help other families. Because it really is an uphill battle,” she said.
“We’re asking for accountability, especially in the face of police misconduct. We’re seeing this type of misconduct of local enforcement throughout our country, and right now, here in Jersey City, we can start shining a light to be a change for this kind of behavior.”
She also called to bring more funding to the city so future tragedies like Washington’s do not occur.
“I get so many calls now from people who are suffering from mental illness and families that are afraid to call law enforcement … We have to put real reform in place. And thank you, this is a great start. I really appreciate it.”
A state grand jury determined that the police officer involved did not engage in any criminality, while Washington’s sister Courtnie still has an active federal lawsuit against the city and PD.