During a recent city council meeting, community members voiced their concerns and support for various local issues, highlighting the importance of libraries and addressing recent incidents of violence.

Heavenly Hughes, co-founder and executive director of My Tribe Rise, opened her remarks by congratulating local students, including graduates from John Muir and participants in summer internship programs. She emphasized the vital role of libraries in the community, particularly the central library, as a resource for research and information related to significant local issues, including the impact of the 710 freeway and historical injustices faced by Black residents.

Hughes also called for action regarding the tragic case of Sonia Massey, who was killed by deputy Sean Grayson. She urged council members to stand in solidarity with Massey's family and echoed the sentiments of civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has been vocal about the case. Grayson has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the incident, which Hughes described as an \"outright murder.\"

The meeting underscored the community's commitment to advocating for justice and the importance of local resources in fostering awareness and support for residents facing challenges.