For Immediate Release
May 8, 2020
Contact: Heather Cabral, West End Strategy Team
heather@westendstrategy.com, 202-550-6880
WASHINGTON — Following the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery and the delayed arrest of the perpetrators, leaders of the country’s largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network condemned the slow response from authorities and demanded justice for Arbery’s family and loved ones. The leaders from Faith in Action’s national network include New Georgia Project’s Pastor Billy Honor, the Rev. Alvin Herring, executive director of Faith in Action, Pastor Michael McBride, executive director of the LIVE FREE campaign, and Richard Morales policy and program director of their LA RED campaign. Their individual statements are below.
The Rev. Alvin Herring, executive director of Faith in Action: “Ahmaud Arbery was killed because he was Black. His death is only the latest tragedy in a centuries-long pattern of injustice and devaluation of Black lives. White supremacy and racism in America is real and has deadly consequences. Our hearts mourn for every life lost and yearn for justice. We feel anger in our bones as we again cry out, wondering when our neighbors will join us to say enough — to say Black lives matter. It is in these moments we must double down on our efforts to defeat hate and demand justice for our brothers and sisters who fall victim to racist violence. We cannot wait.”
Pastor Billy Honor, director of faith organizing, New Georgia Project / Loose the Chains: “Sadly the killing of Amaud Arbery is a part of Georgia’s long legacy of anti-black violence. Since as early as 1882 African Americans have been subject to random violence from white hate groups and racist law enforcement. This is why we’re calling for the Georgia General Assembly to finally pass a hate crimes law and send a message that acts of hate no longer have a place in our state. In addition to his killers being convicted, this is the best long term way for us to collectively honor the life of Amaud Arbery.”
Pastor Michael McBride, director of Faith in Action’s LIVE FREE campaign: “We are outraged and heartbroken by the killing of Ahmaud and by all of the Black lives murdered by law enforcement and vigilantes in the recent week. This is nothing short of domestic terrorism. The wickedness on display of those who see themselves as judge, jury and executioner, compounded by the immediate threats of this COVID-19 pandemic reminds us of the precarious and vulnerability of black life. How long will we allow this to continue?”
Richard Morales, policy and program director of Faith in Action’s LA RED campaign: “It is heart wrenching to see another Black life taken. Unless Georgia brings these men to justice, the shooting, which is obviously an intentional murder, amounts to a state sanctioned execution. COVID-19 and the financial crisis may have changed our nation forever but violence towards Black and Brown bodies obviously has not.”
If you are interested in speaking further with any of the leaders, please contact Heather Cabral at heather@westendstrategy.com or (202) 550-6880.
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Faith in Action, formerly known as PICO National Network, is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 46 local and state federations. For more information, visit www.faithinaction.org.
Faith in Action is a 501c(3). Faith in Action and its affiliates are non-partisan and are not aligned explicitly or implicitly with any candidate or party. We do not endorse or support candidates for office.
