Letter to the editor: Our leaders must speak out on racism

The letter “Kim Ward’s protest warning a disservice” (June 7, TribLIVE) called out state Sen. Kim Ward for suggesting that there would be violence at the Greensburg rally for George Floyd. Her words not only created an unfounded fear of a peaceful protest, but also demonstrated a real lack of respect for the members of our community.

But there has also been a deafening silence on racial equality from our other elected officials. As a community, we expect our elected leaders to move beyond mere platitudes and speak out rejecting racial injustice. Silence on racism is complicity.

So today I call on Ward, state Reps. Joe Petrarca, John Joyce, Eric Nelson, Frank Dermody and Justin Walsh, U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler and our county commissioners to take a first step in a positive discussion on race — a discussion that can no longer be ignored nor delayed.

We are living in unprecedented times. We are in a unique moment in history where positive change can occur. But it starts with our leaders. Where are they and why have they been silent? We deserve and expect an answer.

Aileen Cunningham

Youngstown