On Tuesday, September 15th, the Glendale City Council made history as the third former sundown town in the country, and the first in California, to pass a Sundown Town Resolution, acknowledging, apologizing and atoning for its history of racism. City Council and the Mayor were presented with a thorough report from City staff that outlined the many ways in which the City had structurally and culturally prevented African Americans from living and thriving in Glendale for over 100 years, which included the active presence of the American Nazi Party and KKK chapters and redlining that prevented Black families from qualifying for loans and purchasing in Glendale. Members from the Coalition for an Anti-Racist Glendale provided powerful commentary in support of the motion, in addition to the submission of over 550 letters letters of support.
"The first step towards making Glendale a truly inclusive community is recognizing and making amends for the past and present actions that have made it such a difficult place for Black people to live and work. We at Black in Glendale are heartened that the city has accepted the challenge and wants to do the hard work of being a model for change and inclusion for other former sundown towns," Tanita Harris-Ligons, Founder, Black in Glendale.
"We cannot chart a pathway toward an anti-racist Glendale without first reckoning with the injustices of the past. It is the remnants of those injustices that continue to negatively impact the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color, today. I am proud that the City of Glendale has turned the page on this chapter and is demonstrating what is possible when a community is invested in doing the hard work of addressing racism. YWCA Glendale looks forward to continuing to work together to create a more equitable Glendale where all residents and employees thrive," Tara Peterson, CEO, YWCA Glendale.
"Houses of worship and communities of faith have been an integral part of the life and fabric of Glendale, from its inception until now. Our ancient sacred texts and long-practiced traditions serve as guideposts on our journey of life and faith, noting where we are on the road and where we are going as we travel together. Embedded in our tapestry of faith are the interwoven threads of justice, righteousness and peace in the earth. Clergy, Rabbis, Imams, and other religious leaders are being prompted by the deep unction of the Almighty to rise to the occasion and to address our collective history, admit our collective racism, and walk with the community of Glendale to discover a collective new path. This new path will be one of light, truth, accountability, transparency, and real hope that will lead us into a future of that reflects the Beloved Community for all people who call Glendale home," Rev. Dr. Shane Kinnison, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Glendale and President, Glendale Religious Leaders Association.
Let us know what the passage of this historic resolution means to you! Join the conversation on YWCA Glendale's social media.
