Friend,

One year ago today, George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The sight of Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd's neck for nine minutes galvanized the world into action. Communities and neighborhoods across the world came together amid a global pandemic to march, rally and, most importantly, to bring change and needed reforms to local, state and national government. We came together to say enough and to say Black Lives Matter.

I attended many of these rallies from Stamford to New Canaan to Norwalk to Bridgeport. I listened to the cries for action. I felt the sorrow, anger and confusion of my constituents. I met with students, community members and local leaders to listen.

When we see racism or any injustice occur, we must say something. We must do something. We cannot stand idly by. That was the lifelong credo of my departed friend, John Lewis.

It's been one year since George Floyd was taken from his family and his community. We’ve made some progress, but as the near daily eruptions of violent hate and bigotry remind us, we have much yet to do. Together, we will keep working until justice is delivered to every community.

- Jim