Waltham Committee Supports Black Lives Matter Resolution

WALTHAM, MA — A Black Lives Matter resolution asking the city council to throw its collective voice to stand with the Waltham Police Department in denouncing actions taken by four members of the Minneapolis Police Department during the death of George Floyd on May 25 and affirm that Black lives do matter, was approved unanimously Monday by Waltham’s Public Works and Public Safety Committee.

Councilors Randy LeBlanc, Cathyann Harris, Anthony LaFauci, Kristine Mackin and Patrick O'Brien are on thePublic Works and Public Safety Committee. Jonathan Paz and Joey LaCava have both indicated their support on the two-part, very short resolution brought forward by Mackin was pushed to committee last Monday.

The committee recommends that the 15-member City Council passes it Monday, June 22, the last council meeting before the summer recess.

Resolutions are nonbinding, meaning they don't change law, but are often used to issue an expression of opinion. Resolutions tend to have a temporary effect in an effort to emphasize a timely issue.

Mackin's resolution comes after multiple demonstrations on the Waltham Common in support of the Black Lives Matter civil rights movement. And the committee approval comes after more than 1,000 people marched down Lexington Street in protest to racial injustice this weekend.

Read more: More Than 1,000 March In Waltham Rally Against Racism

"Racism has no place and black lives do matter," said Mayor Jeannette McCarthy to a packed Leary Field Saturday praising the efforts of Waltham police and protest organizers.

In nearby Arlington, the select board there adopted a Black Lives Matter proclamation and raised a banner to support the civil rights movement at its town hall. Brookline, Newton and other neighboring communities have made similar statements.

Read more:

• Waltham Residents Hold Silent Black Lives Matter ...

• Black Lives Matter Protest Draws Crowd To Waltham Common ...
• State Rep Tom Stanley: Speaking Out Together To End Racism
• Waltham Police Chief Speaks Out Against Death Of George Floyd
• June 13 | Black Lives Matter March and Rally | Waltham
• Waltham City Council Eyes Black Lives Matter Resolution ...
• More Than 1,000 March In Waltham Rally Against Racism

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, a column, event or opinion piece.