Guest Opinion | Councilman John J. Kennedy: Now is the Time to be Conscience Guided

We are all outraged by the torture and murder of George Floyd at the hands of four Minneapolis Police Officers. Mr. Floyd’s death inspires us to exercise our cherished American right and responsibility to stand up against injustice in peaceful protest. In a compassionate. just society. discrimination against one of us is discrimination against all of us.

As we mourn the tragic killing of Mr. Floyd. let us honor his life by coming together as a city and nation to stop the violence. Violence and looting do a disservice to his legacy. Surely we are better than that.

Now is the time to be conscience guided. This is the moment for ALL — regardless of ethnicity or income — to join forces to forge a better nation of better communities. We have an opportunity, if not a responsibility, to transform this tragedy into something positive… greater understanding. greater hope and a greater nation…for all of us.

Please join me in engaging in frank, honest and candid discussions about education, law enforcement, justice and opportunity not only for black Americans. but also for all Americans. In the spirit of The Reverend Or. Martin Luther King. Jr . let’s honor and remember George Floyd. not tarnish his memory by senseless violence Join me in creating constructive and lasting change — change that we can embrace and support. change that creates a better America for all.

God bless George Floyd! May his death guide us to a better, more just society and to the end of injustice. racism. and discrimination.