During the October 5th meeting of the Clovis City Council, the Council presented a Proclamation condemning racism, discrimination, bigotry, bias, and hate speech in our community.
The Proclamation follows the hate crime which occurred in Old Town Clovis targeting a local business, Just My Essentials, on September 26, 2020.
All five members of the Clovis City Council took turns reading portions of the Proclamation, which includes the declaration:
“The City of Clovis strongly condemns all forms of racism, discrimination, bigotry, bias, and hate speech in our community…and stands steadfast in our commitment to foster an inclusive civil environment where everyone in our community is treated with dignity and respect.”
Mayor Drew Bessinger instructed City of Clovis Staff to find a suitable place inside Council Chambers or City Hall to hang a framed copy of the Proclamation
Chanel Wapner, who’s business was burglarized and vandalized with hate speech, was present for the reading of the Proclamation, and shared her thoughts on the local support she has received since being victimized.
“This surprised me”, said Chanel Wapner, speaking of the crime. “But what has surprised me even more are the people who rallied around me. Every flower, every card, every hug, every tear…Clovis decided this isn’t right and this wasn’t supposed to happen”.
Also in attendance were several Clovis students who had shared messages of hope and support in the form of chalk art in front of Just My Essentials.
To hear the Council presenting the Proclamation, as well as Chanel Wapner’s public comments, you can click the link below.
You can also read the Proclamation in its entirety by clicking here
