Waltham Ward Committee Endorses Black Lives Matter Resolution

WALTHAM, MA—Waltham’s Ward 7 Democratic Committee has endorsed Waltham City Councilor Kristine Mackin’s “Resolution concerning Policing and Our Community.”

“Being a Democrat and being engaged in politics isn’t just about elections. It’s about showing up for our community and raising up the voices of those who have for far too long been ignored,” said Waltham’s Ward 7 Democratic Committee Chair, Susan Burstein. “This moment demands for us to not be silent and stand up for change.”

The resolution calls for two actions. First, the resolution calls on the City Council joining the Waltham Police Department in “denouncing police violence and brutality against Black people, and affirm[ing] that Black Lives Matter, and reaffirms that Waltham is a Welcoming Community.” Second, the resolution calls on the City Council to “work with the Police Department alongside community leaders and advocates to understand the steps the Police Department has taken and can take to provide effective public safety.”

“As a City Councilor, I believe I can’t just say Black Lives Matter and leave it at that. I need to turn these words into action,” said Waltham Ward 7 City Councilor, Kristine Mackin. “This resolution is one part of taking action and is meant to reaffirm that Waltham is a welcoming community and that we’re dedicated to transparency and accountability.”

For decades, Democrats have stood with the black community in the struggle for quality. Just recently, the Democratic Party Chair Tom Perez put out a statement saying that, “We will keep seeking justice for their families and the families of those whose tragedies weren’t captured on video by fighting to end police brutality and the institutional racism that pervades every aspect of our society. So long as Black men and women cannot breathe, we cannot rest.” Waltham’s Ward 7 Democratic Committee joins this history of Democrats standing up for racial justice.

“We were moved to endorse Councilor Mackin’s resolution not only in response to this moment and the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Dion Johnson, David McAtee, and countless other black Americans, but we are also moved by the pervasiveness of systemic racism and white supremacy in our society,” said Jonathan Goldman, Waltham’s Ward 7 Democratic Committee Secretary.

So far, Waltham has already held several protests in response to the recent murders of black Americans and a group of organizers have planned another protest for Saturday, June 13th. While Waltham’s community has spoken loudly that they believe black lives matter, Waltham’s City Council has not yet taken a stand in support of Waltham’s black community.

“Here at the Waltham Democratic City Committee we are committed to the ideals not just as they pertain to elections, but as they pertain to our responsibility to our brothers and sisters who are suffering. Whether it be helping families and individuals deal with the instabilities caused by COVID-19, or helping to reform the laws of our cities, states, and country to protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Waltham Democratic City Committee Chair, Heather May. “The WDCC calls on all of us to hold up these ideals, to hold them close, and to affirm that Black Lives Matter.”

The Waltham Ward 7 Democratic Committee is one of the ward committees of the Waltham Democratic City Committee. The Waltham Democratic City Committee holds monthly meetings and encourages new members to join.

For more information on the Waltham Democratic City Committee, visit https://www.facebook.com/WatchCityDems/. You can also read Councilor Mackin’s resolution by clicking here.