Minutes 07-07-2020 Virtual Listening Session on Policing and Racial Justice in Orange County

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6 the cost of living affects how much time people can spend with families and neighbors, and puts additional stress on families. 4. Commissioner Remarks Mark Marcoplos said this was a really good forum, and he hopes conversations will continue. He said there are so many more people who can contribute to this, and the Board will do its best work through collaboration, and it may not always be comfortable. He said this is time to get stuff done. He said in chaos there is opportunity. Mark Dorosin thanked all of this evening's participants, and said this is the beginning of the beginning. He said further comments can be emailed or called in to the Board. He said the County website contains links to the Resolution designating Racism as a public health issue in Orange County, Governor Coopers Executive Order, police data, etc. He said the Board did not hold a forum just to have a forum. He said the Board will process this evening's comments and determine what falls under the purview of the Board, the Sheriff, the HRC, etc. He said there will be continued transparency. Sally Greene thanked all the residents who came out and spoke, and the comments have been very enlightening and helpful. 5. Closing Remarks —Annette Moore, Human Rights and Relations Director Annette Moore read Commissioners Price's prepared remarks: First, I personally want to express my appreciation to those of you who have the willingness to stand up for civil rights, the courage to show up for justice, the moral conviction to speak up for human dignity, and the audacity to rise up and say, Black Lives Matter. As we proceed to break the chains of structural racism, we need to do some truth-telling. We must understand that the strength and wealth of America was built on stolen land by stolen people. The land on which we now sit was stolen from the Indigenous People of the so-called New World. The people who labored, with no just compensation, were stolen from their homelands in Africa. So, the process to dehumanize people of color began centuries ago, and this dehumanization is embedded deep in the American psyche. Meanwhile, the struggle and the demand for human dignity also began centuries ago and has perpetuated unto today. With the recent witnessing of violence and murder of Black men, women and children, we are seeing a resurgence in protests and outcries for reforms—for reforms in law enforcement, in the judicial system, in our schools and in other sectors of our society. Once again, as in generations past, Americans are endeavoring to right the wrongs of history. Indeed, we have made progress, and indeed, we still have a long way to go. If we are to disrupt racism, if we are to change hearts and minds, and if we are to envision freedom, dignity and justice for everyone, we must join together in solidarity and do the work. The challenge is to recognize and respect the value of the lives of Black, Indigenous and People of Color in our local and global communities. I believe we can do this. On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, thank you to the people of Orange County who have voiced their concerns and opinions in this listening session, thank you for participating, and know that we will take action based on your input.