REFERENCE TITLE: supporting black lives matter

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

2021

SCR 1036

Introduced by

Senators Quezada: Alston, Gonzales, Mendez

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

supporting black lives matter and the eradication of systematic and structural racism.

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Whereas, the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Dion Johnson and countless other black people and people of color have focused our nation's attention on the continuing structural and systematic racism that plagues our communities; and 

Whereas, data shows that black people and historically marginalized people of color are disproportionately criminalized and targeted by excessive force and brutality at the hands law enforcement; and

Whereas, this state and nation cannot continue to ignore these injustices that unfairly oppress black people and other people of color; and 

Whereas, to make progress during these challenging times, we as a nation have the moral responsibility to take an antiracist approach to making drastic changes with respect to education, housing, employment, criminal justice, health care and other key aspects of American life; and

Whereas, this state has the opportunity to address systematic racism with a renewed vigor and widespread support in a way that can and will be transformative; and 

Whereas, in order for such a metamorphic change to occur, it is essential for all communities in our nation to acknowledge that it is time for change; and 

Whereas, the Black Lives Matter movement has brought to the forefront the current crisis, which is a result of well-established racism and socioeconomic inequalities that have marginalized, discriminated against and harmed black people and people of color; and 

Whereas, it is no longer acceptable to take a stance of silence in the face of grave injustice.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring: 

That the Members of the Legislature proclaim that Black Lives Matter, that protest is the language of the unheard, that racism must be eradicated in all its forms and that the humanity and unique lived experiences of every black American make our nation powerful.