Black Lives Matter

From the Office of Executive Board Pinellas County Young Democrats

The Pinellas County Young Democrats believe that #BlackLivesMatter and proudly stand in solidarity with the protesters against police violence, brutality, and murder. The Pinellas County Young Democrats recognize that systemic racism is pervasive in our society and commits to not simply being against racism in all forms but actively working within an antiracist framework.
 
We are angry. We are tired. It pains us to see the violence and destruction in American cities but we understand that is the point. We recognize that assembly in the form of riot or rebellion is the only language that shocks the system to its core and the only language that is heard in urban centers and rural communities with equal force. We understand that all of us must recognize that the problems of systemic racism require all of us to engage in the process of dismantlement. No one can stand on the sidelines if we are truly seeking systemic change.
 
Finally, we want to acknowledge that all of this is occurring during a global pandemic and public health crisis. The protesters in urban cities are the hardest hit by COVID-19. We further understand that Black and Brown communities are disproportionally impacted by the novel coronavirus. We also would like to acknowledge that these communities in pain and destruction will require even more economic recovery. We are committed to the work of holding candidates & elected officials accountable for ensuring equal protection and justice for all citizens, be it economic, social, or environmental.