Solutions to Social Injustice Must Begin With Civil Conversations

Death of George Floyd brings a call for action from Tri-C President Alex Johnson

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) President Alex Johnson recently issued this message to the community about the death of George Floyd and how the College will work to bridge divides and eradicate intolerance, injustice and inequality.

On May 25, George Floyd gasped his final words — “I can’t breathe” — while lying handcuffed on the street in Minneapolis with a knee pressed into his neck.

This horrific incident adds to a sad legacy that stains this nation’s history and continues a cycle of violence and social injustice that reveals a deep — and, too often, deadly — racial divide within our communities.

Despite calls for action, the arc of time has not brought a solution. Protests we see today, sparked by these recent aggressions, follow countless protests for past atrocities against humanity.

This issue will not go away. Instead, it is ours to solve — if we have the conviction to see it through.

At Tri-C, we own the responsibility of driving change and reform through education and action.

Difficult conversations must take place within a framework of civility for the healing to begin. As an institution, we will lead those discussions based on our core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, fairness and diversity.

In the weeks and months ahead, we will build upon our work in conflict resolution, social justice and sustained dialogue to find meaningful ways to convene and engage our students, faculty and staff as well as the broader community. We need solutions. Collectively, we will find them.

Please take some time to reflect on recent events. Each of us carries a responsibility to mend our city and nation. Join me in reaffirming our responsibility to eradicate intolerance, injustice and inequality in a peaceful manner.

Together, we will build toward a better tomorrow for everyone in our community.

June 08, 2020

John Horton, 216-987-4281 john.horton@tri-c.edu