BISC releases statement about the ongoing, state-sanctioned violence against the Black community

06/01/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2020

PRESS CONTACT
Ali Javery
[email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ballot Initiative Strategy Center’s (BISC) Executive Director, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo issued the following statement today about the recurring state-sanctioned violence and brutality against Black people by law enforcement:

At the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, we understand the anguish and rage so many are feeling, and we support the people and communities who have taken to the streets once again, after having their voices ignored and their lives put in danger by police and the elected officials who are supposed to represent them in government. We are committed to fight against anti-Black bigotry as an organization and defend Black lives. We must remember, this is all happening against the backdrop of a pandemic, which has disproportionately affected Black and brown families.

BISC will continue to try and transform our country into one that is equitable and just. In our work, we will continue to challenge structural racism, and center communities who are most impacted by it. The events of the last week and this weekend make it abundantly clear that if we are not dedicating all our efforts towards dismantling structural racism and white supremacy, we are part of the problem and not a part of the solution.

We stand beside the Black-led organizations we partner with across the country and will do whatever is needed to support your leadership. We believe ballot measures can be a tool to give the people the agency to challenge the oppressive systems that stand in the way of true liberation for communities who remain under assault and create a new world where people live with dignity and thrive.

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