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Demand for change: What you need to know Thursday

The Trotwood City Council unanimously passed a resolution denouncing racism and declaring it a public health crisis during a meeting held July 6.

“The City of Trotwood will continue to be a voice for those who are underrepresented and will promote fairness and equity through its legislative policies,” Mayor Mary McDonald said.

A peaceful protest and march was held the same day. The City of Trotwood and is citizens gathered to bring awareness to social injustices.

“The City of Trotwood is a diverse and inclusive community and we will continue working to advance diversity and encourage equity among all people,” said City Manager Quincy E. Pope.

The Piqua City Commission this week voted unanimously to back a resolution declaring racism is a public health crisis in that Miami County City.

“This is just to say that racism exists and that we acknowledge it,” Mayor Kris Lee told News Center 7 on Wednesday night. “It’s a starting point. To diagnosis a problem, you got to acknowledge there is a problem.

“We recognize it is systemic, it exists,” Lee said. “We acknowledge it and hopefully we can come together to deal with some issues about it. The only thing we have to combat it, is knowledge and awareness.”

The resolution means the city will look at the health-related issues to minority groups and people of color in Miami Count, the mayor said. “We don’t have the statistics, so we want to start gathering the statistics.”

The city commission also will be partnering with the Miami County Health Department and others to provide more screenings for minorities in the Piqua community, Mayor Lee said.

More things you should also know today in the demand for change following the Memorial Day death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police:

  • George Floyd begged police not to kill him, according to body cam transcripts
  • Repairs to the Ohio Statehouse and the Capitol Square grounds because of protests May 28 through June 18 will cost the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board $158,263.57. This amount does not include the expenses incurred by the Ohio State Highway Patrol or the costs to repair the damage that occurred on other state property. The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) is responsible for maintaining the historic character of the Ohio Statehouse and Capitol Square. The CSRAB hired a service to clean and remove graffiti from the limestone building and walls, as well as the granite and marble monuments. The broken windows of the Ohio Statehouse have been boarded up since May 29, as the CSRAB collected quotes for repairs to the glass and the wooden millwork of the windows and doors. Exterior damage includes pole lights and lanterns, a bench and many of the trash cans.
  • Yellow Springs Village Council Member Lisa Kreeger has proposed the village rename Short Street to Freedom Court and close a portion of the street for an outdoor gathering place in the village called Freedom Plaza.
  • On July 15, the Black College Football Hall of Fame will host a virtual event, “Black College Football… The Road to Equality,” at 8:30 p.m. The goal is to engage in the national discussion on social justice by sharing the history of black college football and its impact on civil rights as well as serving as a platform to raise funds and awareness for HBCUs and the Black Football Hall of Fame. There is no cost to participate and watch. You can RSVP here.
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