Those of us who represent the Village of Northbrook unequivocally denounce the actions of the police officers involved in the tragic and abhorrent death of George Floyd.

We absolutely reject any acts of violence and discrimination against another person. We acknowledge that in our past - in the 1940s - Northbrook allowed restrictive covenants which caused harm. Today, we continue to learn, to educate ourselves, to listen, to discuss.

Acts of racial injustice have no place in our society. It is our responsibility, not just as your government, but also as a community, to foster, to encourage, to legislate an inclusive environment where people of all racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds feel safe and welcomed. We cannot be blind to our flaws. We need to support our neighbors and reject racism in all its forms.

We support peaceful protest. We support those who seek change through the exercise of the First Amendment.

Trust is a privilege that must continually be earned by all of us; it must be earned on a daily basis. We must all pledge to foster a safe and equitable community for both ourselves and our visitors. We will do this together; all of us: our leaders, our employees, our residents, our businesses. 

We are always trying to get better at whatever we do. We don’t always succeed, but we must keep on trying. It is not easy. We will certainly make mistakes and lose our way. We will stumble and fall. But if our intention is to get better, then we will keep reading and listening and thinking and trying.

It is our duty as a community that cares to join together peacefully to ensure that Northbrook is welcoming to all.