During the June 2, 2020, Eagle Mountain City Council meeting, Councilmember Burnham expressed her public support for the Black Lives Matter movement. After some technical difficulties and comments from the Mayor and other City Council members, Burnham made the following statement.
We need to look at our own personal prejudices and then ask, “What can I do to make a difference?”
I don’t usually do this, but every so often I take the opportunity to speak my mind on something that is really, really important to me. As you know, some tragic events happened, and we have been having some protests and things as a result of that. And I just wanted to talk a little bit about it, because I have seen a lot of comments people have made and things people have said to me that I think come from a good place. But, I think that they are also somewhat hurtful. So, I kind of want to explain where I am coming from. And I know a lot of people will look at me and say, “Well what does a white woman know about racial predigest.” I happen to be half Puerto Rican and my Grandmother is bi-racial. So, I know a little bit. Not a lot. But I know a little bit about it.Some things that people have said that are disturbing. “I support the Black Lives Matter movement, BUT” Separate them, there is no BUT. I don’t support the violence that happened, but, there is no but to my support of the problem that we have and looking for solutions and how we have to find solutions. I have seen people post that “I have black friends who say that it is totally fine and they don’t have any problems.” And I say, “Your friends are lucky.” So, and I am grateful that they are lucky. But that is not how it is for everyone. The biggest one is the “All Lives Matter” comment. And of course all lives matter. But not until black lives matter. And I had a friend just yesterday that was talking to me and he said: “Of course all lives matter, we believe that.” And, unfortunately, that is not the case. I think that most people believe that all lives matter, but I think that many people believe that some lives matter more than others.
There have been questions like, “What do they want to do, he is in jail? What is the point of protesting?” Well, the point of protesting not that an officer is in jail, and that three other officers watched it did nothing. That’s a problem, and it is not a one-time problem, its a continuing problem. And we have to solve this problem. Because, right now our good police officers, which are in the vast majority, vast majority, are in danger because of these bad apples. We need to find some solutions for that. We need to look at our own personal prejudices and then ask, “What can I do to make a difference?” Instead of talking about how you think people should protest, what you think people should do, instead look for what you can do. And one of those is, speak out and speak up. So, I’m off my soapbox now, Thank You for listening.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.