NILC Calls for More Empathy, Dialogue, and Action Following Deadly Shootings of Black Men, Police

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2016

CONTACT
Juan Gastelum, [email protected], 213-375-3149

NILC Calls for More Empathy, Dialogue, and Action Following Deadly Shootings of Black Men, Police 

LOS ANGELES — The following is a statement by Marielena Hincapié, executive director at the National Immigration Law Center, in response to the recent incidents of police brutality and police killings in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Texas:

“Our hearts were broken to learn about yet another series of shootings this week in which two young black men, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, were killed in interactions with police. We are also saddened that Dallas police officers were gunned down while monitoring a peaceful protest. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all those lost to these tragic episodes of gun violence.

“In a country that aspires to advancing equality, opportunity and respect for others, these horrific events warn us of a festering culture of hate, fear and violence, which disproportionately harms communities of color and which we must bring to an end. We must not give in to hate. We cannot give in to fear. And we must reject violence.

“We stand in solidarity with those who for years have been working peacefully and constructively for acknowledgment that there is a grave problem with the way law enforcement treats black people and other communities of color, and to bring about systemic change. We are especially grateful for the leadership role that the Black Lives Matter network has played in calling for an end to violence and for police accountability. As much as ever, we need these conversations to continue, with empathy and respect as our guiding principles.

“The National Immigration Law Center remains committed to fighting for the dignity and justice of all our community members. We urge our leaders and our communities not to allow these incidents to stifle progress or breed more animosity. We join others in calling for justice and accountability for Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, and for the countless others who have lost their lives far too soon. Black lives matter, today and every day.”

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