The Rev. Chloe Smith expressed her support of the Chautauqua County Legislature’s motion proclaiming equality and inclusion and denouncing racism. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon

MAYVILLE — County leaders say they are taking a stand against racism.

During Wednesday’s Chautauqua County Legislature meeting, lawmakers unanimously approved a motion proclaiming equality and inclusion and denouncing racism.

In the motion, it notes that “racism, in all forms, is an issue that continues to cause harm, division, and injustice within our society” and that “Chautauqua County firmly believes in equality, justice, and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity or cultural background.”

The motion further states that “Chautauqua County recognizes that a diverse and inclusive environment benefits everyone by promoting understanding, empathy and a sense of belonging,” and that “Chautauqua County remains committed to denouncing racism and striving to make Chautauqua County a better place to live, work and play.”

The motion calls on all county residents to “welcome all individuals to our community, and join in the fight to end all forms of racism and injustice.”

Before the vote, the Rev. Chloe Smith of Jamestown expressed her support for the motion. She noted that she is part of the African-American community group that is made up of pastors and leaders from both ends of the county.

The group began meeting in 2020. “Our group encourages civic engagements and we are solution-oriented,” Smith said. “We try to cultivate positive relationships and build connections that result in positive change throughout our county.”

Smith said she believes change needs to start locally. “I believe God told me that Chautauqua County is supposed to be the blueprint for this nation. … We are meant to be the blueprint of this nation of collaboration, of being a beloved community where every single person knows that they’re welcome here, and has the ability to thrive,” she said.

She continued, “We are county that believes in equality, justice and respect for all. We are a county who believes in one nation, indivisible, and under God – a diverse, inclusive environment that benefits every single person that comes here.”

Applause broke out after Smith’s comments.

The Rev. Tom LeBeau, who pastors Mayville and Kidder United Methodist churches, joked that he doesn’t have the same energy of Smith, but supports what she said completely.

“When I think about equality and justice, I often hear people say I don’t see color. I think for a minute and think that’s good, but then I think I should see color. I should see every color. In seeing color, I need to look at what that person’s life is like, what my life is like, and (ask) is it any different because of their color,” he said.

During the discussion among county lawmakers, multiple legislators spoke out in favor of the motion.

One of those who spoke was Legislator Tom Nelson, D-Jamestown. A history teacher in Frewsburg, he noted that when he learned that for a Halloween costume last year, someone wore blackface to a party at an American legion post, he talked to his students about the use of blackface and its negative history.

Nelson said it’s important for local leaders to take a stand against racism. “I wholeheartedly support this motion. It’s not only important, but it’s our duty for this county legislature to publicly denounce racist behaviors and state this will not be tolerated.,” he said.

Legislator Elisabeth Rankin, R-Jamestown, expressed her support as well.

“What I like about this motion is it give us an opportunity to take a stand about how we feel and that we’re ready to value, celebrate and respect every person, every individual for their background, no matter what their life experience and their life perspective, because every person brings something different to the table,” she said.

Legislator Susan Parker, D-Fredonia, said communication is the key.

“We really need to work together, and that does involve sitting down with other groups and actually talking about what needs to be done, what perspectives there are, and come towards a better Chautauqua County,” she said.

Legislator Billy Torres, D-Jamestown, is the only minority county legislator. He said he could talk about his experiences of racism, but said he didn’t want to. Instead, he noted that more work needs to be done.

“It’s not the motion that’s the most important thing here. It’s the issue that … we need to communicate better, get out there and interact, and respect each other as good human beings,” he said.

Legislator Bob Bankoski, D-Dunkirk, agreed. “It’s not just what we do here. It’s what we’re going to do once we leave here, to take action to actually do something,” he said.