By Mayor Sylvester Turner
Political talk is causing division and polarization across our nation like I have never seen before. Many people see a direct connection between anti-immigrant political speech and the recent massacre of Pittsburgh Jews who were part of a congregation that supports the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.
I for one will not sit back and merely watch. The mass shooting was a stark reminder for all of us that there is still much work to be done to repair the fabric of our society. It is time for all of us to push against this wave of hatred and instead stand up for the pluralistic values that make us all Americans.
Our city is the right place to talk about inclusion, acceptance, tolerance and diversity. Houston is the most ethnically diverse city in the nation. One of every four Houstonians was born in another country and we speak more than 100 languages. When you come to Houston from down the street or the other side of the world to work, live and play, we accept you as you are. We build relationships, not walls.
Houston is a place for togetherness, which is why I was not surprised when 2,000 people of all faiths showed up for a candlelight vigil at the Jewish Community Center the day after 11 people were slaughtered in Pittsburgh.
From this tragedy comes an opportunity for all of us. As Houstonians, we should demonstrate to the world that it does not matter where hate comes from; we will not tolerate any form of it. We will call it out for what is. Because hate against anyone is an act against us all.
We must hold our leaders accountable for anything they may say or do that might incite crimes of hate.
I challenge the people of this mighty ethnically diverse city to be people of action and show the world that diversity and inclusion are what makes our city stronger.
Houston will speak out against evil and bigotry. Love, tolerance and acceptance are the words we will use instead. We stand ready to act and live in unity.
