Resolution PASSED; Budget on Tonight’s Agenda – Operation Phoenix R.I.S.E.

We are thrilled to announce that the Burlington City Council Passed the most comprehensive resolution on racial justice in its history!  The Racial Justice Resolution was in direct response to the work of the community under the leadership of the Racial Justice Alliance.  Exciting as this sounds, we want you to know that this is a small step in the direction of justice.  We now call upon the City Council to make a moral statement by prioritizing the eradication of systemic racism in the passage of the budget tonight!

Please join us in thanking the council for the passage of the Racial Justice Bill and urge them to hold the line on the money allocated by the Mayor to do the work.

This resolution, combined with the Mayor’s budget, provide a significant step in the right direction in addressing the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance demands outlined in Operation Phoenix R.I.S.E.

Operation Phoenix Mission:  Transform the lives of black and brown people by investing in their lives, holding space for their culture, providing them opportunity and ensuring the equity they deserve to thrive.

R.I.S.E.

Restructuring Public Safety
Implement Cultural Empowerment
Securing Equal Opportunity
Expand Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

What does this mean?

We’re not there yet. The City Council must still deliberate and vote upon the budget resolution.

What should you do?

Reach out to the Contact the Councilors 

• Thanking them for passing the Racial Justice Resolution
• Asking them to make a moral statement by prioritizing the eradication of systemic racism in the passage of the budget

DEMANDS

• We call upon the Mayor and or the City Council to declare racism a citywide health crisis. (check)
• We further call upon the City Council to resolve that a “task force” be established to consider an apology and a proposal for reparations for the role that Burlington has played in Chattel Slavery. (check)
• We call on Burlington to make a moral statement by prioritizing the eradication of systemic racism in the creation of the budget
• We call on the City of Burlington to Join the Racial Justice Alliance in the implementation of Operation Phoenix R.I.S.E.

“Do not pass a budget until these demands are met”
Read more on #OperationPhoenix here.

#riseBTV

Another immediate action that you can take is to financially support the work that we are doing.  Thanks for the support.