America’s gun violence is so out of control, we can’t even bury the victims of one mass shooting before we hear about the next shocking tragedy.
Our nation is reeling from the 19 children and 2 adults who were killed at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24.
Just 10 days earlier – on May 14 – 13 people were shot – 10 fatally – by a white supremacist at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York.
This is where Leaders Network Co-Chairs Rev. Ira J. Acree and Rev. Marshall Hatch will be on Friday to support the community that has been traumatized by this horrific attack. The Chicago-based social justice organization will livestream their press conference live from the scene in Buffalo.
The Leaders Network is partnering with Black Men United, World Vision and several other organizations to produce a food giveaway for a community now left without a supermarket. Acree and Hatch will also attend two funerals on Friday, for Margus Morrison and Geraldine Talley (who will be eulogized by Rev. Al Sharpton).
Buffalo shooter Payton Gendron is the killer who gunned down these innocent victims; but his weapon was loaded by the deadly ideology of white supremacy. He was influenced by a racist culture of individuals in politics and the media who create fear among unstable individuals by promoting “white replacement theory” and demonizing Black people and other people of color for our nation’s problems.
The Leaders Network is committed to destroying white supremacy in all its forms and wherever it exists. It is why two of our founders are making the trip to Buffalo this week.
We extend our hearts and our deepest condolences to the people mourning their losses in Uvalde, Texas, and to all of the victims of the continuing violence in our hometown Chicago. We demand that all of our political leaders at the city, county, state and federal levels do anything and everything to end the daily barbaric carnage of blood in our streets, stores, schools, places of worship and everywhere where violence is inflicted upon people of all races, ethnicities and religions.
As we brace for what is expected to be another violent Memorial Day weekend, we are demanding the U.S. Senate finally pass the assault weapons ban without further delay.