A time of listening, learning, and healing

Press Release

Hearts were broken -- once again -- after the killings of Ahmaud Arbrey in Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and George Floyd in Minneapolis. We must come together to address the injustices that Black Americans continue to experience every day at the hands of systemic racism.

A Conversation About Healing and Change

We must actively listen, learn, and put hope into action for change.

That's why last week, I held a racial justice listening session with leaders in the Black community. Change starts with listening, acknowledging and understanding the problem, and taking decisive action to fix it.

Included in the conversation was:
Jarvis Crawford, manager at James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
Executive Pastor Tricina Sheppard, Desert Hot Springs Word of Life Fellowship
Jan Pye, Desert Hot Springs councilmember
Dixie Miller, Desert Highland/Gateway Community president
Waymond Fermon, Indio City councilmember
Troy Strange, director of Planning and Public Works at Desert Recreation District
Bishop Kaphyan Sheppard, Desert Hot Springs Word of Life Fellowship
Pastor Rodney Croom, Palm Springs First Baptist Church
Pastor James Baylark, Desert Hot Springs First Baptist Church
Senior Pastor Schezerone Carter, Palm Springs Ajalon Missionary Baptist Church
Debbie Franklin, former Banning City mayor and councilmember
Master Sergeant (Ret) Edward Brackins, Air Force JROTC, Beaumont Unified School District
Zjarvre Crawford, college student

I am so grateful for each person's words, leadership, and wisdom in our heartfelt, impactful, and real conversation this week.

Through listening intently, uplifting the voices of the Black community, and working together, we can bring unity and end the systemic racism that plagues our nation still today.

Together, I know we can.

Sincerely,

Raul Ruiz, M.D.
Member of Congress

Source