A statement from three elected leaders of Newton Ma. regarding the tragic deaths of Black people over the past months and year

May 30, 2020

As three leaders of Newton’s elected officials, we have witnessed the tragic deaths of Black people over the past months with horror and sadness. We deplore the unacceptable loss of lives due to the color of someone’s skin.

These deaths have heightened fear and anxiety not just across the country but also in our own Black community here in Newton. While these particular actions happened outside Newton, we have struggled in our schools and community here to address racist actions and words as well.

We say loudly and strongly to all of our children and families of color that it is the responsibility of our leaders to keep you safe by working with members of our civic and social communities to address systemic, conscious and unconscious racial bias in our schools and in our city. We pledge to dedicate ourselves to making sure you are valued and to proclaim to all that there is no place for hate, no place for racism, no place for bigotry, and no place for injustice in our City of Newton. We are committed to Newton’s core values of respect, diversity, and acceptance.

In the words of former Attorney General Eric Holder, “The arc bends toward justice, but it only bends toward justice because people pull it towards justice. It doesn’t happen on its own.” We commit to you, the people of Newton who we are here to serve, that we will continue to work with you to pull that arc toward justice and will do so for as long as it takes.

Susan Albright President, Newton City Council 
Ruthanne Fuller, Mayor City of Newton
Ruth Goldman Chair, Newton School Committee