Former
City Councilor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, hosted multiple listening-only hearings to empower community voices, including her last hearing as a City Councilor in December 2018
BOSTON
– Today Boston City Councilor At-Large Michelle Wu filed an order to follow up on addressing the community impact of violence and trauma in Boston. The planned working session aims to coordinate concrete action steps following the December 2018 “Hearing to
Listen to Communities Impacted by Violence and Trauma” hosted by then-City Councilor and current Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.
“The
powerful voices of community members set a clear mandate for us in December to urgently expand access and coordination around trauma supports for safe and healthy communities,” said Councilor Wu. “I am eager to continue the legacy of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s
leadership on the Boston City Council and reconvene all stakeholders to coordinate next steps. We have much work to do in stemming violence, addressing trauma, and creating opportunity across every neighborhood.”
“Trauma
continues to choke at the promise of our residents and our neighborhoods. The first step towards solving any issue is to name it and to bring together those most impacted to create shared understanding and craft lasting solutions—together,” said Congresswoman
Pressley. “Every level of government has a role to play in treating trauma, and I am so grateful to Councilor Michelle Wu for her continued partnership.”
At
the December hearing, residents from a variety of Boston neighborhoods, including Grove Hall, Uphams Corner, Roxbury, and Dorchester, shared their experiences as survivors of violence in the city. Testimonies included anecdotes relating to police brutality,
gun violence, healthcare and mental health resources, fear of retaliation, and community experiences with state and federal agencies, including DCF and ICE.
Residents
shared their experiences as survivors, community organizers, and healthcare professionals, offering potential solutions for the Council’s consideration. Common themes included lack of education surrounding trauma, inadequate resources in schools and communities,
and the need for more community-police dialogue.
The
order will be discussed at the Boston City Council meeting on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, and assigned to committee.
Details on the time and location of a working session will follow
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