Albina Ministerial Alliance grieves unarmed and unjustified deaths
By The Albina Ministerial Alliance
The Albina Ministerial Alliance is comprised of faith leaders from the African American community and its AMA Coalition for Justice and Police Reform represent the wide community interest in justice and police reform in Portland. PHOTO COURTESY ALBINA MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE COALITION FOR JUSICE AND POLICE REFORM
(The following statement by the Albina Ministerial Alliance was issued Monday in connection with the Memorial Day death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and other deaths of black Americans at the hands of police, including Portland.)
The Albina Ministerial Alliance, one of the oldest ministerial alliances in the city of Portland, stands in solidarity with George Floyd’s family and the grieving Citizens of Minneapolis.
The inhumane murder of George Floyd by a police officer placing his knee and body weight on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes while two other police held his legs down was a crime against humanity by those who have sworn to protect and serve. Floyd’s unjust murder by Minneapolis police officer follows the line of Black men and women’s unarmed and unjustified deaths.
A few unarmed, unjustified deaths within the city of Portland that were killed by Portland police officers include: Kendra James, James Jahar Perez, James Chasse, Jr., Keaton Otis.
There is a deep, dark frustration and righteous anger on the continuing targeted death of persons in community of colors – especially Black men and women.
Yet, we must stay focused on the case(s) and not be diverted by those who infiltrate marches to exploit their agendas of looting, burning and destroying property. These individuals and groups act as provocateurs to divert the just cause of the murder of George Floyd by police officers.
We call upon the members of the community to separate themselves from those who want to loot, burn, steal and harm.
But unite with those who want to non-violently protest the killing of George Floyd and others by police officers.
Justice is the foundation of our democracy and the God we serve is a God of justice.
Finally, we urgently demand our City, County, State and National Government make police reform and police accountability a top priority for healing and reconciliation to take place in our City, County, State and Nation.
Black Lives Do Matter!!!
The Albina Ministerial Alliance was formed during the 1960s as part of the Civil Rights Movement to provide a greater voice to the people of color in NE Portland whose needs were and are often overlooked by city and civic leaders.