Statement on Recent Police Shootings in Chicago and Birmingham
Statement on Recent Police Shootings in Chicago and Birmingham Suburbs
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. urges thorough and transparent investigations
The killing of Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford, Jr. in a mall in Hoover, Alabama marks the second recent shootings where police have mistaken a Black licensed gun holder for a gunman and shot him.
Two weeks ago, a white police officer wrongfully killed security officer, Jemel Roberson, after he helped subdue a gunman outside a night club in a Chicago suburb.
Whether they are would-be heroes or fleeing civilians, African American men continue to be deemed criminals or threats within milliseconds.
We, as members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., urge that a thorough and transparent investigation be conducted into both shooting deaths and that all body-worn camera and other video evidence be released to the public immediately.
The shoot first and ask questions later mentality when police encounter African American men, particularly those who lawfully exercise their constitutional rights as lawful gun owners, must be stopped.
Both Mr. Roberson and Mr. Bradford are victims, and law enforcement authorities should treat them and their families as such. Like all victims, their families deserve prompt updates and real time information as more details are learned.
In addition, law enforcement must move immediately to prevent any further such tragedies. One step forward is the establishment of community advisory boards to provide guidance to local police departments.
Overall, incidents, like these, underscore the importance of our advocacy in the face of injustice. Laws and policies, whether written or implied, that justify our mistreatment must be confronted and eradicated.
Most of all, the Fraternity must remain vigilant in both its collective and individual efforts, from our voter education and engagement campaigns to our brothers seeking election – to ensure that those in office will not only ensure fair treatment but pursue justice even when it is those who wear a badge are wrong. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. is committed to ensuring that our communities receive the justice, respect and humanity that they deserve.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc ® responds to Domestic Terrorism & Acts of Hate
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc ® responds to Domestic Terrorism & Acts of Hate
General President Ward denounces mass shooting violence and urges gun control.
BALTIMORE, MD (October 31) – The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. offers its sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the those killed recently in multiple acts of hate and domestic terrorism across the country. We also stand with those whose lives were targeted and threatened simply for their race, political beliefs, and affiliations.
Beyond the need for common sense gun control and mental health reforms, these acts are symptoms of a sickness in the greater political environment that not only harbors, but encourages intolerance, divisiveness, bigotry, and unnervingly, in veiled language, violence.
As those of moral character, we must change that. Alpha Phi Alpha and our allies remain committed in our advocacy and our fight for equality and justice. We all must ensure that our voices are heard in and through the processes and platforms afforded us.
We are not powerless, and we are not victims. We will not let cowards or those who use fear and terror to triumph.
I urge every brother and every chapter of our Fraternity to join in the movement to fight against racial violence, bigotry, and hatred by engaging in the mid-term elections and advocating for policies that strive to protect our communities.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit http://www.apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.