Memphis, Tennessee—We are appalled and devastated by the murder of Tyre Nichols by police. Tyre was a beautiful soul who enjoyed skateboarding and photography. His life was unfairly cut short when police brutally and violently murdered him for no reason. His life mattered, and he deserved so much more than becoming the next hashtag in a long line of senseless death at the hands of police.

“We vehemently condemn the murder of Tyre Nichols by police officers. This brutal and violent murder is unacceptable, and we extend our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Tyre,” LaTwyla Mathias, Executive Director of Progress Virginia, said. “Our Black lives not only matter, but they are beautiful, important, and good. White supremacy and systemic racism have infected all of us, and we must all work together to dismantle them and the systems they uphold. We cannot continue to see the incredible loss of Black lives and do nothing about it. We reaffirm our commitment to building a community where all people, including, and especially, Black men, can live their lives to the fullest without fear of violence at the hands of those who are supposed to protect them.”