Dear FANM Friends and Supporters,
Family Action Network Movement (FANM) stands in solidarity with the movement that champions the collective freedom and liberation of all Black people. We strongly condemn the senseless murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. The officer responsible for George’s death violated George's First Amendment right to life. We pray for George, his family, and his loved ones during this difficult time.
George’s death has understandably horrified black and brown communities, who are already disproportionately hurting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the entire nation. Sadly, his death at the hands of the police is one of many occurrences where black and brown people are profiled just because of their skin color. While there are exemplary police officers, too many others have racially targeted and killed people of color for generations without repercussions. This is a systemic problem. Most appalling are those who stand by and do nothing, like the three officers who aided and abetted in George Floyd’s public killing.
FANM demands a thorough investigation of all police officers involved in this crime. They must be held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
FANM demands a complete reassessment of police recruiting, hiring, training, and use of force policies.
FANM demands a complete overhaul of our criminal justice system which convicts blacks six times more often than whites for comparable crimes.
FANM demands a reduction in national police department funding and investments in education, job training, and economic development opportunities for minority communities.
FANM demands that the police stop the violence and abuse of peaceful demonstrators who are exercising their constitutional rights of free speech.
We are all part of the same race, the human race. We cannot stand by and watch. Instead, let us be part of the solution! Contact your local government officials and urge them to pass specific criminal justice and police reform policies. Tell your family and friends to register to vote in state and local elections, as locally elected mayors, judges, district attorneys, and state attorneys have the power to implement these changes and reforms. Urge police department heads to build and foster strong relationships with the communities they serve .
This moment requires that we unite our strength and flex our political muscle to say no more! Enough is enough! Let us commit to stay the course until the battle for social/economic justice and systemic change in the police, the courts, and the criminal justice system is won! No Justice, No Peace!
In Unity,
Marleine Bastien, MSW, LCSW
Executive Director
Family Action Network Movement (FANM)
