MSU Statement on killing of unarmed Ahmaud Arbery

For Immediate Release

MAY 7, 2020 – The National Governing Council of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. condemns what we believe are the unlawful killings of unarmed Black people by law enforcement and civilians alike over the years. In addition, we advocate for the modification and repeal of controversial laws like Stand Your Ground, and now Citizen Arrest, that are being used to hunt and murder those in our community with impunity.

The recently released disturbing video of the murder of an unarmed Ahmaud Arbery by white former law enforcement officer and his son while jogging in a  suburb of Georgia should stir outrage among all Americans. “Recent incidents are reminiscent of an atrocious era of hate and domestic terrorism where police officers and white protesters routinely brutalized African-Americans. The senseless death displays the continuance of systematic racism and privilege granted to white people in America when Black bodies are at the epicenter” (Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP).

Today, we are making a call for criminal charges and the immediate arrest of Gregory McMichael, a former police officer and district attorney’s investigator, and his son, Travis McMichael, for the murder of Mr. Arbery.

American citizens should not have to be subject to different sets of rules for citizens on the basis of race, color, or affiliations to law enforcement. “The narrative that people of color are somehow more suspicious or dangerous than their white counterparts when exercising normal, routine activities, and that white citizens have the authority and right to question or intervene must be changed” (nphchq.org).

This must end now.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Ahmaud Arbery, and anyone else who is struggling to come to grips with this tragic loss. While we too mourn this loss, we refuse to remain silent and will continue to fight and advocate for equal justice for the communities we represent.

Resources

We encourage all those who are outraged to take action by demanding that state, local, and national leaders take every measure possible to curtail the Black death rate. Tweet your Elected leaders to demand action.

1. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has created an initiative called #WeAreDoneDying. Fore more information on how to take action visit www.naacp.org.
2. Sign the petition demanding Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
3. Participate in a virtual run of 2.23 miles this Friday, May 8th in his honor. 
4. Check out runwithmaud.com for more ways to take action.