Mayor Tishaura O. Jones: Whatever comes nationally, St. Louis will protect its people

Tuesday’s election results were a shock to our city, and a shock to my system. You may be feeling the same way.

As mayor, I am proud to represent a city that voted overwhelmingly for joy, for choice, and for love — even though the same cannot be said for the majority of our country.

I recognize the importance of accepting the results of the presidential election. But I also recognize that part of that acceptance means a full understanding of the work that is now in front of us. This work will be painful and it will come with challenges and outright threats to many of those I hold dear.

I am going to dig in.

St. Louis — both the city and our entire region — must remain a welcoming place for all. It must remain a place that you can call home, no matter who you are, where you come from, or who you love. I refuse to accept a reality in which we stop fighting for a brighter, more welcoming future for St. Louis.

Read full article here.