For Immediate Release: Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014
Contact: Donna De La Cruz, [email protected] (202) 339-9331

 Center for Community Change Calls for End to Harassment of Peaceful Protesters
Violence is not the Answer to Persistent Racial Issues

(WASHINGTON)—The recent shooting in Missouri of an unarmed black teenager by a police officer signals the dire need for a dialogue on race relations in every community in the United States that must include the way law enforcement and other government agencies treat people of color, especially black men.

“Unfortunately, the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri reminds Americans that some people have not learned the lessons of the civil rights movement and view people of color, especially black men, through a stereotypical lens that must come to an end,” said Kica Matos, Director of Immigrant Rights and Racial Justice at the Center for Community Change.

“Stereotyping has such a detrimental impact on the ability of people of color to live their lives free from the threat of violence and death at the hands of the police. Without meaningful dialogue to figure out solutions to prevent another incident like the one in Ferguson, race relations in this country will continue to erode instead of heal,” Matos said.

“The police must stop harassing peaceful protesters who are well within their constitutional rights of free speech,” Matos added. “Community Change decries violence of any kind and stands with the family of Michael Brown in calling for an end to violence in their community. The violence must come to an end, and we must work together to heal and learn from this tragic event.”

“We hope that the community, the police and local and state officials can work together to find permanent solutions to bring peace to Ferguson,” Matos said.

###