Statement from the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

The deeply disturbing and senseless killing of George Floyd is just the latest example of the heartbreak and anger caused by systemic and blatant racism in our society, nationally, as well as here in Pittsburgh. This violence, once again, glaringly illuminates the blatant discrimination and injustice that all too often is overlooked by our society as a whole. These egregious examples of oppressive behavior underscore the lack of equality faced by our Black and Brown neighbors and the need for greater compassion and action.

Racism, discrimination, hatred and injustice undermine our society. They break us apart. As advocates for the advancement Downtown, it is our mission to create a more welcoming destination for all people, a place where open civic engagement and peaceful protests are supported, and where those voices can help shape this neighborhood we all share, no matter where we live. These important community gatherings and dialogue around social inequity and racism help us learn and fundamentally change for the better.

In recent days we have seen how these grassroot demonstrations can be coopted by those who would incite violence and devalue the solidarity expressed by the vast majority of participants. They distract from the actual objectives and sow even deeper division. In Downtown, as well as across the country, the targets of this destruction have often been businesses already crippled by the COVID-19 crisis. We must not be distracted by the destructive nature of these acts or allow them to pollute the grief and anger that come from the heart of a community seeking transformation. 

We have made great progress in Downtown Pittsburgh over the last decade and it is critical for our City that recent events do not undermine that momentum. We must maintain focus on solutions and action, and make sure these works are made available to all, so we will continue to call on our public and private partners to join with the PDP in advocating inclusivity, diversity, and equitable treatment of all people.  We must engage and encourage hard conversations to be able to move beyond racism and discrimination, and as a community, it is essential that we truly listen and respond to those who suffer as a result. We must work steadfastly toward policy solutions that build a unified community and reforge values. And we must commit to embracing the diversity of our region as we stand together for a brighter, more equitable future.