I want to take a moment to wish all of you a Happy Black History Month!
This is an important time to celebrate the many contributions of Black leaders and to lift up our Black communities. It is also a time to reflect on how we can advance justice and work to root out historic inequities.
That’s why a few days ago, our City Attorney’s Office weighed in with an amicus brief in an important Ninth Circuit US Court of Appeals case to support a Seattle law that prohibits landlords from discriminating against formerly incarcerated people. We know that the denial of housing based on a person’s involvement with the justice system disproportionately impacts people of color. It is crucial that we fight to keep these “fair chance” laws – including a San Francisco law – on the books to ensure everyone has a fair shot at securing housing.
It is a top priority for me as City Attorney for our office to fight for the civil rights of all San Franciscans, especially our Black community. Our diversity makes our city strong and vibrant, and we still have much work to do to ensure San Francisco is a safe and equitable place for everyone.
I hope we can all take this month to celebrate our Black community and to recommit ourselves to living up to the promise of justice for all.
In solidarity,
David