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NLC President Urges Mayors to Help "Undo Racism"
By
Liz Kreese Addressing a major theme in his tenure as President of the National League of Cities, Wichita Mayor Bob Knight made a heartfelt plea for mayors’ leadership in efforts to "undo racism" in America. Speaking during the, June 11 Plenary Session at the Annual Conference, Mayor Knight noted that "public policy issues don’t get sorted out by themselves." In order to be implemented, they require "committed leadership." Mayors can play a key role in leading local and national efforts to address racism, he said, noting that the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities have already taken important steps in that direction through their commitment to economic and social justice for all. Referring to the "hatred," "rage," "alienation," and "human carnage" found in many of the nation’s cities, Mayor Knight called for a more concerted approach to addressing the legacy of racism in cities. What is needed, he said, is for mayors to mold their constituencies into a "more cohesive civil family" marked by greater tolerance, inclusion, and mutual understanding. Eradicating racism cannot be accomplished through equal opportunity policies or increased funding alone but requires the creation of "a culture of true inclusion." Mayors can assist in this effort not just by "talking the talk" but by "walking the walk," said Mayor Knight, concluding that "our two organizations can change this nation."     
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