FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Cindi Creager, CreagerCole Communications
(646) 279-4559, cindi@creagercole.com
New York, NY – The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) condemns the heinous anti-African American Hate violence incident at a supermarket in Buffalo that occurred on May 14th.
Statement from AVP Executive Director, Beverly Tillery:
“AVP is outraged over the racist mass shooting this past weekend, which directly targeted the African American community of Buffalo. We mourn the loss of all who were killed and hope for a full and speedy recovery of those injured in the horrific act of hate.
We are angry because of the harm caused to the members of the Buffalo community. But we are also angry because we know that there will continue to be massacres of this kind, fueled by the white supremacist, hate-based rhetoric that has become all too common in our nation’s daily discourse. We urge our fellow New Yorkers and others across this country to take this moment not only to mourn those lost, but also to honor their lives by standing up against the racist fear mongers who continue to justify and incite violence.
We can only defeat this violence if we first acknowledge it for exactly what it is: the result of a long-term, organized and concerted effort by white supremacist leaders and organizations to use fear to control our city halls and state houses, our schools and community centers, and ultimately our society. And we must acknowledge that the interpersonal and state violence we are experiencing at a heightened rate are all part of these organized efforts. The seeds of hate that have sown the violence against this Black community in Buffalo are the same seeds that have sown the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ and anti-trans violence and laws being passed in every corner of this nation; these are the same seeds that are challenging a woman’s right to choose, and fueling the Anti-Asian violence in our streets. We cannot allow the continuation of a narrative that the way of life of White people is threatened by the presence and humanity of people of color, LGBTQ people, and all the others they hope to keep pushing to the margins.
As the only organization in New York State dedicated to address and end all forms of violence within and against the LGBTQ community, we at AVP understand all too well the impact of hate on our communities and the importance of targeted communities building collective support and solidarity. Along with our partner organizations, we have formed the NYC Against Hate Coalition that brings together organizations across identity to stand together to end hate. We call on everyone who is saddened and angered by this act of violence to call out and stand up against hate wherever you see it. Our very lives are dependent on all of us being willing to take small and large steps every day to stand up for each other.
We know news of this shooting is disturbing and can be triggering and frightening for many in our community. Incidents of hate violence are meant to terrorize our communities, but they will not succeed. We will stand up for one another, knowing we are stronger together. AVP is here for you. If you are impacted by this news and need support, our hotline volunteers and counselors are ready and available any time you need them. Call or text AVP’s 24/7 English/Spanish hotline at 212-714-1141.”
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