HELPING THE COMMUNITY TO STRIVENational Association For The Advancement Of All Colored People
The nation is in the process of unfolding under the pressure of racial crisis. The Fresno Branch NAACP stands proudly in the support of nonviolent peaceful protests in response to the collective outrage and calls for policing reform expressed by residents all over the country in response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers and the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others at the hands of law enforcement officers. It is unfortunate that the expression of outrage has translated into rioting but in the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “A riot is the language of the unheard.” And just “What is it that America has failed to hear?” What has fallen on deaf ears is the generational pain of communities throughout the nation that are now collectively expressing their anger, pain, fear and distrust directed towards not only law enforcement but the lack of leadership, understanding and mistreatment from the federal government. For decades, law enforcement and the criminal justice system has racially profiled, arrested, convicted, and sentenced African Americans more harshly than the rest of America. As George Floyd’s killing tragically demonstrates, any interaction between an African American and law enforcement can instantaneously become deadly. We will continue the fight until all the officers involved in these incidents are arrested, charged and convicted. And we must persist to ensure that justice is served in each and every case. As we ensure justice is served, we must also shift attention to the steps necessary to prevent any future occurrences of police brutality. While the nation mourns and expresses themselves in response to, we must take steps and make reforms to combat police violence and systemic racism within law enforcement. Together, we can work to redefine public safety so that it recognizes the humanity and dignity of every person. We must also look beyond the systemic racism in law enforcement and look at the “how” we start to enact change of the position of the African American that has been stifled for over 400 years. We begin this process by ensuring community investment, educational opportunities and. employment opportunities are available to our African American community members. To enact change, we must have an agenda, with specific asks and a community that demands accountability. Join the NAACP as we work to make a difference. The Fresno Branch NAACP is asking for a commitment to action from local law enforcement and a call to action of all of our community members. A Call to Action: The Fresno Branch NAACP needs action from you, the community to ensure reform takes place and there is accountability. Our actions must support our words, and we must take action. The Fresno NAACP needs for you to: 1. Join the NAACP Take a stand, answer the call for equality. Answer the call for civil rights. Join the oldest and boldest civil rights organization in the nation. A stand. Answer the call for equality. Answer the 2. Register to vote and vote Every vote counts and we need yours to ensure we make a difference. We must pay attention to who we put in offices, as they will affect who is putting our people in jail, and how we will move forward. Do not allow yourself to be left out of this process. The right to vote is too important! The Fresno Branch NAACP is dedicated to being a resource to the advancement of all people of color. Become involved, let us initiate change, let us make a difference. The time is now! |
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