For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014
Contact: Donna De La Cruz, [email protected] (202) 339-9331

(WASHINGTON)—Community Change stands in solidarity with the thousands of protesters nationwide who are outraged over the grand jury’s decision not to indict the police officer who fatally shot unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Here are statements from Community Change leaders of outrage that the officer will not be charged, solidarity with the protesters and vision on how people of all colors must come together to demand an America that works for everyone.

Kica Matos, Director of Racial Justice and Immigrant Rights, and spokesperson of the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM): “As the largest coalition of immigrant rights organizations, FIRM stands in solidarity with Americans from all walks of life who are peacefully protesting, demanding racial justice and an end to police brutality. African American and immigrant families should not have to fear law enforcement–all of us deserve police who serve and protect our communities. We will continue to support communities in Ferguson and beyond that are advocating for justice–not just for Michael Brown, but for all young people of color who have been brutalized or died because of police misconduct.”

Gabe Gonzalez, National Campaign Director: “The age of Bull Connor is dead and gone. America must no longer treat race as a mark of felony or an invitation to murder by the state. People protesting everywhere prove that. What we need now is justice both immediate and permanent. Go to the Twitter hashtag #blacklivesmatter and add your voice.”

Deepak Bhargava, Executive Director: “Ferguson speaks to a reckoning day for America. All of America’s progressive movements–each and every person must stand together and demand an America that works for all of us. Only by standing together can tragedy be turned into a future where everyone has enough to thrive and achieve their full potential. Only by standing together can we build an America in which everyone can live healthy lives in healthy places; have equal access to learning throughout life; be guaranteed life-sustaining work matched to personal capability; face a justice system that treats all people fairly; have true security in childhood, disability, and retirement; raise families in a safe and sustainable environment; enjoy free exercise of civil and political rights, and; be assured of a community of care that nurtures and supports them.”

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