Following action in 2020 by the US Conference of Mayors (https://www.usmayors.org/2020-vision/dismantle-systemic-racism-and-advance-human-and-civil-rights/ ) , a number of cities around the US signed declarations to repair relationships with their black citizens. The Austin City Council adopted a resolution in March of 2021 (https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=356184 ) which listed numerous ways in which city government had caused harm in the Black community, issued a formal apology for the harms and directed the City Manager to conduct a study and provide a report outlining the economic value of the impact caused by City Actions. The resolution expressed a desire on the part of the city to create a centralized Black resource and cultural center (a Black Embassy) for easy access to city services and to support black-led businesses. The original due date for this action was August 1, 2021, however, there have been several delays and no publicity about the resolution in the local press.
In consideration of these facts, Friends Meeting of Austin approved the following Minute at the October 2, 2022 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business.
2022.10.03
Friends Meeting of Austin calls upon the City Council, Mayor, and City Manager to make fulfillment of City Council Resolution 20210304-067’s commitments a higher priority by allocating additional resources and increasing oversight of those charged with implementation.
Furthermore, the appropriate persons within the City of Austin should actively publicize this resolution and the progress or lack thereof towards its fulfillment with print and broadcast media in the city.
Friends Meeting of Austin believes that the lack of action combined with absence of publicity is a clear demonstration of how systemic racism in our community and city government continues.