Dear Neighbor,
The people of our capital city have been through a lot in the past few months, from a homeless crisis to a pandemic to weeks of earthquakes. Forces seemingly beyond our control have tried our people, economy and infrastructure. But since the atrocious slaying of George Floyd on May 25, we are witnessing a tipping point and the rise of a powerful force in our city and our nation: thousands of people locally, and millions across the globe, joining together to say, “No more.”
We are facing an unprecedented challenge combined with a generational opportunity to positively engage in the future of our nation.
As we enter the weekend, I am writing to you, my friends of this city and state, inviting you to join me in rising to meet this opportunity to build a more just and inclusive America head on. We must collectively commit to this critical work in the months and years ahead with an open heart, mind and imagination. To that I would add an abundant measure of kindness and grace.
In this moment of change, I write this letter primarily to Caucasian fellow-Utahns, at nearly 90% of our state’s population. I recognize the privilege of my skin, and all that I am learning and have yet to learn as our nation unpacks and addresses a tragic history of racism, oppression and denial.
The tapestry of America’s history has been sewn together with justice and injustice, freedom and oppression, with protest often being the bold, bright thread stitching new cloth to old. The moment of Floyd’s murder began one such movement, a rending that, ironically, holds the potential healing of the hearts of so many Americans — especially those who have been crying out for centuries and the many new voices that can no longer be silent.
Though thousands have taken to the streets, many more may be wondering what their own role could be with regard to eradicating racism and building the future of change being demanded. I submit to you that the most destructive path ahead is one that pits one against another, “us” and “them,” “your problem, not my problem.” The path with the greatest potential for good begins with “we.” “We the people,” especially of this city and state, can demonstrate how to engage in productive dialogues to heal and develop unified actions of progress.
The media’s incessant focus on the unfortunate violence and destruction plaguing cities across the nation can provoke a polarizing mindset. The challenge every citizen, especially those of us who, by the color of our skin, have been largely unaware of our own role in the oppression of people of color, is to listen and support.
We are being asked to make space in our hearts and minds, despite whatever discomfort or awkwardness may arise, to hear the truth. In that space of willingness and listening, we may recognize that systems and institutions that have served so many white people so well were built to do just that. They were not built from the beginning to serve everyone. Even now illegal policies like racial segregation and redlining have left lasting negative effects that have persisted for generations, even here in Utah. Change in our city will be built on truth, transparency and trust.
We can embody Utah’s community-minded strength with a robust vulnerability that works a mighty change for good. This transformation cannot be done only by the relative few on our streets today. The police, elected officials at every level, those who have personal and racial histories of oppression, and everyone who has benefitted from the current structure must engage in rigorous, open, transparent and ongoing dialogues.
The work ahead is not a zero-sum game — we believe in abundance in Salt Lake City and in all of Utah. I wholeheartedly believe that what’s being asked of us invites a larger table, a growing of “the pie” that will build equity, create opportunities for more Americans, stimulate and grow our economy, and make our nation stronger.
In my lifetime, there has been no more compelling time to be an elected official. I ran to help create greater equity in Salt Lake City and was grateful for those who welcomed that message. The mandate of reform is stronger than I ever could have imagined it would be six months into this job. Elected officials have an incredible opportunity to be agents of change, to work with and empower our communities to enact seismic change for good. It is humbling and thrilling.
Neighbors and friends — I repeat, let us rise together as we take this opportunity head on. Together we will commit to this critical work in the months and years ahead with an open heart, mind and imagination — and a healthy dose of kindness and grace.
Erin Mendenhall is the mayor of Salt Lake City.