Date: June 1, 2020
Contact: Corey Ellis
Albany Common Council President
518-478-6441/Cellis@albanyny.gov
Albany Common Council Statement on Saturday’s Events
ALBANY, NY – The Albany Common Council believes in the right of people to march and protest. This weekend many of our members marched with thousands in peaceful solidarity as a sign of unity and justice. Our law enforcement officers directed and made sure the march was orderly and assisted when needed, as reported by our members. It was a moving event. Our members continue to fight for the rights of the residents of our city to openly have their voices heard and respected. Just as we stand for everyone’s voices to be heard, we also stand with our local neighborhoods, community members, and law enforcement and their right to be safe, our neighborhoods not to be destroyed or vandalized. The actions of those who rioted and destroyed property did not reflect the common goals in the fight for justice, peace, and unity, and do not speak to the character of our city. As our city and communities continue to battle the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the destruction of property only adds to the burden of families and small businesses trying to recover emotionally and financially. As we move forward as a city we will respect everyone’s rights to truth, justice, and safety in the city that we call home.