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The following is a press release from the City’s Chief Information Officer submitted to SOURCE media

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Framingham – I have been on pins and needles since the closing arguments of Derek Chauvin’s trial about the death of George Floyd.

As an engaged resident, I have been following this case closely. I am so very thankful for the jury’s leadership to convict on all three counts in George Floyd’s death.

As a woman of color, I feel like this conviction is a glimpse of justice. I have stood toe-to-toe against racism my entire life. Racism is ugly. It’s is a stain upon the fabric of America. From 1619 to present-day, African Americans have endured violence visited upon them to keep them subservient and oppressed.

We, as a people, have fought for our rights to educate, vote, and engage in society as full citizens. This past year has been no different in the lives of African Americans. We have watched video, after video, after video of unarmed black men, targeted, hunted, and murdered simply because of the color of their skin.

While many of us have soared to great heights in the corporate field, on the athletic field, in the music world, and yes, even in public service, we are still portrayed as not qualified to lead.

We are questioned, lampooned, written about in undignified ways, and our truth is overshadowed by biased conventional thinking by many who choose to stay wrapped in their privilege.

As the Mayor of Framingham, I have genuinely appreciated the determination and ability of our community to mobilize and fight injustice. Our residents, including our young people, organizing and leading marches have been a sight to see. It gives me hope for the future.

This verdict reaffirms what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”

I will go to bed tonight with a lighter heart, increased drive for change, and finally, I can take a deep breath.

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By editor

Susan Petroni is the former editor for SOURCE. She is the founder of the former news site, which as of May 1, 2023, is now a self-publishing community bulletin board. The website no longer has a journalist but a webmaster.