City Council Passes 17-Point Resolution to Address Systemic Racism

Image: A large crowd of masked protesters, chanting and bearing signs in support of Iowa Freedom Riders and Black Lives Matter gathers at the intersection of Clinton and Church Streets in Iowa City at dusk on June 4, 2020. An estimated 3,000 people joined this evening.

On June 16, the Iowa City City Council passed a 17-point resolution to confront systemic racism in Iowa City.

The Iowa City Press-Citizen covered how the local protests led to rapid policy change, and how the work has just begun. “I want to make sure you show up to get appointed to boards and committees. This doesn’t end with your participation in this demonstration. Those who are in leadership or an ally of this movement, this is the beginning of the change,” I said.

Why do we need your help? Local public servants (elected and employed) were already maxed out dealing with the pandemic, climate action, and federal and state legislative and political obstacles. There will always be tension between those seeking change from inside and outside. Yet, I’m hopeful part of our collective lesson learned is that energy directed to installing the policy makers you want will mean faster change from the jump. As long as we’re a society of laws, you can help make sure we have the right people making them.