Pittsburgh Mayor Issues Statement On George Floyd

PITTSBURGH, PA — Mayor Bill Peduto has released a statement regarding George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests that have erupted since his death while being taken into custody by Minneapolis police officers.

Peduto said equity has been a priority of his administration and promised new policies to better give black people opportunities that historically have been denied to them. Recognizing the historic nature of the protests, Peduto said the outpouring of outrage was understandable.

"This is the culmination of years and generations if racism - using housing regulations, employment barriers, education quality and inability to access other structures to negatively impact black people by not allowing them to have the same access to opportunities that other neighbors have," he said.

"George Floyd is not a moment. He was a man with family and loved ones. His inexcusable death has motivated our communities to demonstrate the grief , trauma and pain that our black communities are consistently exposed to. We must listen."

Peduto acknowledged that reform doesn't happen over night and city officials don't have every answer at the moment.

"But the work has begun and we will continue to work directly with our communities to create a city that's livable for all," he said. "Black neighbors, residents, partners - we hear you. Your voice is important and necessary to rebuilding."

You can read the entire statement here.