As a student and alumni of the Cambridge Public Schools system, I have experienced multiple deaths of classmates. This includes Stanley and Wolf Jules, who are honored in Central Square. Like the Jules brothers, most of the deaths I experienced were men of color. While they did not die by police brutality from Cambridge police, they were preventable deaths such as medical complications, overdoses, car accidents, suicide and violence in other communities. Cambridge people are not immune to dying by racism. While I am very proud to say Cambridge is different from other communities in some ways, we cannot let that overshadow our vulnerabilities.

Our vulnerabilities need resources. Considering how to use some of the biggest piece of the budget pie is a logical step if Cambridge really wants to stand in solidarity with its communities of color.

Leigh Hardy, Cambridge Public Schools alumni