HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-27-20 Henry Davis Jr. Statement
Henry Davis, Jr.
2nd District Council Member
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227 W. Jefferson Blvd. Rm. 441 Office: (574) 235-5983 FAX: (574) 235-5575
County-City Building South Bend, IN Voicemail: (574) 235-5983 TDD: (574) 235-5567
46601- 1830 Email:.HDAVIS@SOUTHBENDIN.GOV
FROM: COUNCILMEMBER HENRY DAVIS, JR.
SUBJECT: STATEMENT FROM COUNCILMEMBER DAVIS JR.
DATE: AUGUST 27, 2020
CONTACT: COUNCILMEMBER HENRY DAVIS, JR.,
HDAVIS@SOUTHBENDIN.GOV
574-300-5241
In Kenosha they say Jacob Blake. In Louisville they say Breonna Taylor. In Chicago they say Laquan McDonald.
In Indianapolis they say Sean Reed. In South Bend we say Michael Anderson and Eric Logan.
I am sickened that we continue to have to say the names of Black people in this country that have been maimed
or murdered because of state sanctioned violence. I am tired.
Our lives matter even when it isn’t about the spectacle of the videos that document our murder. It matters as
Covid ravages the Black community. A pandemic that’s disproportionately killing Black people more than any
other racial group in America. Further, Indiana has one of the largest disparities between Black and white people
when it comes to hospitalizations as a result of Covid.
Throughout the current 2020 campaign season we have been witnesses to the remixing of our story in South
Bend. We have been told about a resurgent South Bend while also trying to reconcile a 40% increase in violent
crime.
How do we we reconcile the national image of a resurgent South Bend when the Martin Luther King and Charles
Black Centers fight for an equitable portion of city dollars at the same time multi-million dollar investments are
made in a ice skating rink, it’s field house, and colorful lighting on the East Race? These centers—located in
communities west of the river—are threatened with cuts so severe that they will not be able to offer the most
basic level of service to Black communities.
Elected representatives do not have the right to be outraged by the negative impacts of the decisions that we have
created. We find ourselves in this moment because of votes and decisions that have been made by our mayors
and city councils. Now we must take responsibility, admit those failings, and create and pass equitable and just
policies.
If we believe that Black lives matter, we will pass legislation creating the first ever Citizens Review Board in
South Bend. If we believe Black lives matter, we will appropriate funding to expand services at the Martin Luther
King and Charles Black Centers.
We have the power to cast votes to move policies that prioritize Black lives. We have an opportunity. For the
first time in our city’s history, two Black women lead our council. At time a when Black people need resources
and protection, we have four Black common council members. We have the voice and votes to prioritize Black
lives. We are entering budget season. If our city is committed to ensuring equity and justice, our budget will
reflect it because our elected leaders will have voted to make Black lives matter.
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