These are unprecedented times. We have witnessed recent acts of violence that led to historical demonstrations and unrest. We mourn the loss of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others whose lives were needlessly cut short. These fellow Americans lost their lives to senseless acts of injustice against the Black community.  

We have also witnessed people from all backgrounds coming together calling for change from coast to coast and around the globe. After the events that took place on May 31 in Aurora, hundreds of people unified to help with the cleanup following the aftermath. By the end of the week, dozens of beautiful murals were painted on boarded-up buildings displaying messages of support, hope, pride and encouragement to the community. Many peaceful demonstrations have been held and more are being planned. We applaud Mayor Irvin and the Aurora City Council for hearing the call and working towards substantive systemic change.  

As the second largest city in Illinois, Aurora has a rich history of diversity. African Americans have had a presence in Aurora before the Civil War. Hispanics have called Aurora home for more than a century. The Asian community has grown steadily for the past four decades. 

 The City of Aurora is proudly represented by three cultural advisory boards: the African American Heritage Advisory Board, the Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board and the Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board. The collective efforts of our boards provide a vehicle for civic engagement and community education at the grassroots level. 

As brothers and sisters:

We, the Boards, proudly stand together in unity with the Black community in proclaiming to our city, country and world that Black lives matter.

We, the Boards, stand against racism and inequality.  

We, the Boards, lend our voice to echo the need for change that will ensure respect for one another, no matter the color of your skin.  

We, the Boards, will continue to work for harmony and celebrate our diversity. 

We, the Boards, are committed to continue to work for inclusion, equality and social justice.  

We are One Aurora. 

In Unity,

City of Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board | Hector Ochoa, Chair

City of Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board | Toshia Moss, Chair

City of Aurora Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board | Roopa Anjanappa, Chair