Bill Lee: “I want to share a passage from the unity statement that was developed. This was an ecumenical group of over 100…”

“I want to share a passage from the unity statement that was developed. This was an ecumenical group of over 100 religious denominations: ``Racism is more than individual behavior, language, and overt hostility toward particular people. Racism is systematic and structural in America and harms people of color in very specific, measurable, and tangible ways.'' Mr. Speaker, the Kerner report, unfortunately, was ignored, and 50 years later, we are still feeling and reaping the consequences. The difficult truth is that, until we address the impact of the middle passage and slavery of generations of African Americans and believe that truth and reconciliation must happen, 50 years from now, two cities will have destroyed the very fabric of our Nation. As the unity declaration goes on to say: ``Racism is a sin that goes back to the founding of our Nation.'' We know what is plaguing our society, and we know what to do about it. The time for talk is over. It is time we do what is right for all Americans. Yes, Black lives do matter.”