Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Montross) hosted the first meeting of his First District Unity in Diversity Council on June 12 in Fredericksburg.

The goal of the council is to provide Wittman with advice in bringing greater equality, equity, and opportunity to the First District, Virginia and the nation, according to a release from the 1st District congressman’s office.

“Our nation is in anguish as we mourn the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and many others who have died tragically and needlessly,” he said. “The failures of the system designed to protect and serve our communities regardless of the color of someone’s skin must end. We can and must do better to ensure equality, equity, and equal treatment for all.

“We must extinguish underlying biases and racism in our society and we do that by taking the time to listen, understand, and respect each other,” he said. “This is accomplished by having an open conversation, while taking the time to actively listen.”

“E...