BM/ST Jeff Sullivan’s statement on the current climate unfolding in the wake of events in Minnesota surrounding the death of George Floyd

Recent unwarranted police brutality against our Black brothers and sisters has continued to expose what we have known for too long — Black and Brown Americans live in a perpetual state of fear due to the looming and systemic threat of violence, hate, and racism.

The labor movement has always stood up for the rights and safety of our Black brothers and sisters whether it was on our job sites or in our communities. Now more than ever, we need to continue that work by demanding that real and permanent change be implemented that allows ALL people to live freely and without fear across our country.

We mourn the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, Tony McDade, George Floyd, and so many others — and say their names out loud so that they are never forgotten. The institutions that perpetuate racism are the same that foster health and wealth disparities among communities. To truly achieve an equitable society, we need to stand together in solidarity. As our General President Ken Rigmaiden put it, “We must go above and beyond and we must educate, organize, strategize, and mobilize all working people – black, brown, and white, towards a true understanding of what solidarity looks like.”

We are proud to support our brothers and sisters who are taking action in Minneapolis and across the country. We are proud to stand with them. This country’s creed that “All men are created equal” will never be fully realized until each of us can live, work and raise our families in a nation free from racism.  We are proud to fight for Black lives. If not now, when? If not us, who?

Jeff Sullivan

Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer

IUPAT District Council 35