Today, we and @DecrimSeattle are encouraged to see the @SeattleCouncil—emboldened by the support of tens of thousands of BIPOC community members (that's y'all!)—resist @MayorJenny ’s bullying tactics and anti-Black obstructionism.
Specifically, @SeattleCouncil upheld their decision to divest from the SPD by 3 million dollars—less than 1% of SPD’s annual budget—and invest modestly in Black communities.
As we head into the 2021 budget cycle, we expect @SeattleCouncil to maintain their conviction, elevate Black lives and uphold their public commitments to divest from policing and reinvest in Black communities.
It shouldn't take such prolonged, sustained community efforts for this minimal change but we recognize that Council’s move to override the Mayor’s anti-Black veto marks an urgent break from the decades of votes to expand racist policing.
Going forward, we expect @SeattleCouncil to continue to resist the Mayor’s attempts to rewrite legislation that has already passed.
#FreeTheFunds
Already experiencing COVID's economic fallout, conditions for Seattle’s Black community are on a trajectory to worsen. Against that backdrop, community members mobilized tremendous support to demand true investments in public safety solutions that work for us.
Despite @SeattleCouncil's vote overruling her anti-Black’s veto, @MayorJenny's past behavior suggests strongly that she may attempt to delay & block funds towards immediate, critical investments into the Black community.
#AntiBlack #FreeTheFunds
We call on @MayorJenny to release the funds as quickly as possible so that the urgent work of responding to gun violence (that you so publicly feign concern for) and scaling up other public safety solutions that don't rely on policing can continue & grow.
#FreeTheFunds
Deep appreciation for y'all. Many people worked tirelessly for this modest but crucial first step in shaping a city budget that reflects community values.
The fight to build a new normal rooted in equity that provides true public health and safety for all Seattle’s residents has barely begun.
Join the movement: kingcountyequitynow.com
#PayTheFee #BuildAfricatown #TapIn
#DontTapOut #EquityNow
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