We are a sisterhood who believes in our Constitution and the right to peaceful protests and protesters.
Our organization stands for equal rights for all, and advocates for those rights. It is unacceptable that in 2020, the business and professional world continues to Not be inclusive of women, especially Black Women and Women of Color.
We stand with those who are outraged by the murder of yet another unarmed black man, Mr. George Floyd, at the hands of a police “officer” who swore to protect us and our property.
We are happy that the charge of Third Degree Murder has been upgraded to Second Degree Murder for Derek Chauvin. And that the three who were dressed in blue who watched this murder occurring, have been charged with Aiding and Abetting the Second Degree Murder of Mr. George Floyd.
We understand that the outrage displayed and the protests are due to an accumulation of the historic racism and inequality Black people have been experiencing in our country over the last 400 years.
We are disturbed by the clearing out of a park of a peaceful group, abiding by the rights granted by our Constitution to peacefully protest, so the President can take a walk to an empty church for a photo op. And….that park is now closed.
We are appalled by the taking over of the peaceful protests by criminals and looters who take advantage of people’s pain for their own use.
We are encouraged by the many police around the country who have shown their disgust for what happened to Mr. Floyd, and their support of peaceful protest. For the others that continue to use tear gas, shoot into crowds, and continue the brutalizing of Black People, they must go!
We encourage, no we demand, that police throughout this country dissolve the “blue line of silence” and speak up when they see their fellow “officers” participate in illegal and racist behavior.
We continue to be optimistic, and hope you are too, that change is coming. If it’s change that you want, please “go” vote and get others to vote. There’s a primary June 23rd and the election in November. Let’s make sure Black Lives Matter. We need to ensure Black People have access to the same opportunities that White People have!
In the meantime, raise your voice however you see fit. If you want us to do more as an organization, please let us know.
If you’d like to be part of a new “rapid response team” where we develop statements so they can be sent to media outlets and social media in a timely manner, (another committee handles distribution) please let us know.
In Solidarity,
Executive Board, NFBPWC-NYC
June 6, 2020
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