Ald Candyce Scott (D-3) is speaking about the importance of three resolutions she submitted at the last City Council meeting.
One resolution acknowledges Child Abuse Prevention Month. Scott said that that, as a counselor, she has worked with children and families for about 15 years. “I have seen some of the most difficult cases and stories no child should ever have to experience.”
That is why Scott wants to encourage New Britain residents to, “listen to children and believe our children if they report neglect.”
Scott added, “We all should be working towards building a village and safe community.”
Another resolution was on designating April as Arab American Heritage Month. Rimaz, a New Britain resident urged the Council to approve the resolution, saying,
Arab Americans are a big part of the New Britain community; we are neighbors, artists, healthcare workers, business owners, students, and public servants. Over the course of many decades, and especially these last few months, it’s clear that Arab Americans have been subject to dehumanization—both in the media and by harmful rhetorics and policies on the federal front. These narratives attempt to strip Arab Americans from their American identities. They aim to spin our rich history in this country into simple orientalist caricatures so that if any legitimate concerns regarding the protective rights of Arab citizens arise, they are met with apathy and inaction. This is why resolutions like the one presented before us are not only symbolic, but also affirm our place in this city. That is something I am very grateful to see.
The third resolution recognizes April as National Minority Health Month. Scott says she submitted this resolution,
because of the ongoing systemic health disparities and maternal mortality rates in the United States. Researchers have reported that Black women are more likely to die during childbirth because discrimination and biases in hospitals are often ignored when black women are reporting pain.
“I just want to shine a light on the ongoing problem minorities endure with health care in this county,” Scott added.
