Council condemns racism

Resolution praises police response to injustice, outreach to citizens in peaceful protest walks

Lorain City Council members say they are committed to “improving the overall quality of life of our communities of color, business owners and visitors.”

Lorain police also received praise for the department’s handling of local protests calling for social justice and condemning racism.

On June 15, council adopted resolutions reflecting part of the local response to national demonstrations that have grown after the death of George Floyd, who died while being restrained by Minneapolis police, and other African Americans.

Council declared racism “a public health crisis.”

“Communities of color are impacted more by daily challenges and inequities, such as crime, education, food access, health behaviors, access to health services, housing, socioeconomic status, and public safety,” the city resolution said.

The city of Lorain comprises of 17.2 percent black or AfricanAmerican alone.

The population includes 30 percent Hispanic or Latino, and 5.2 percent two or more races according to 2019 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the city resolution said.

The resolution cited a number of health issues in communities of color:

The Ohio Department of Health reports that maternal mortality is two and a half times greater for black women in Ohio than white women.

Black women are more likely to experience maternal morbidity.

The Ohio Department of Health data figures state that black Ohioans have higher mortality rates for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer compared to other racial groups.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, preliminary figures indicated there is a large racial disparity in cases of the virus. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has referenced data indicating that the virus has hit Ohio’s Hispanic and black communities harder than others.

Meanwhile, Lorain “is committed to actively engaging with the community leaders and residents of the City to fight racism wherever it is found within its system,” the resolution said.

For example, police Chief James McCann created an advisory board with local pastors and community leaders to monitor all police use-offorce incidents in the City of Lorain and make periodic reports to the community, the resolution said.

Meanwhile, council had high praise for McCann and the Lorain police.

Ward 3 Councilwoman Pamela Carter, Ward 1 Councilwoman Beth Henley, Councilman-at-Large Mitch Fallis, Ward 6 Councilman Rey Carrion, Ward 4 Councilman Greg Argenti, Councilwoman-atLarge Mary Springowski, Councilman-at-Large Tony Dimacchia all praised the police department.

Argenti also thanked Lorain citizens

When the rest of the country was going crazy, Lorain shined, Argenti said.

“It’s a two-way street,” he said.

Springowski said the city stood out as an example for the rest of the world for the effective, passionate but peaceful protest.

“This didn’t happen without their cooperation,” Dimacchia said, adding the demonstration made him proud to be a Lorainite.

Planners of the second march asked McCann to participate in the event, said Mayor Jack Bradley. Lorain became an example for the nation due to the peaceful results.

Council’s resolution named McCann, Capt. Edward Super, Lt. Dan Reinhardt and other officers who were present for the local demonstrations.

“Chief McCann voiced his respect for the community to express their grief, anger and frustration but asked the demonstrators to not resort to violence,” the resolution said. “He hoped the death of George Floyd can serve as beacon of justice and will be the catalyst for his department and others across the country to better serve the diverse communities.”

The resolution included McCann’s public statement about the demonstrations.

“As the chief of police in Lorain and as a 28-year law enforcement veteran, I absolutely condemn the actions of the four police officers in Minneapolis and I believe they should be subjected to the full force of the law,” McCann said.

“The death of George Floyd was tragic and inexcusable,” the chief’s statement said. “The men and women of the Lorain Police Department stand with those who wish to peacefully protest against the use of unnecessary, brutal force against any citizen, and we stand ready to support and join you in your peaceful protest.

“We look forward to standing with you protesting this and other injustices and at the same time serving and protecting our community by ensuring your right to peacefully protest,” McCann said.