The history of racial violence in the United States is deplorable, extensive, and sadly, not a relic of our past. The tragic deaths of Malcolm Harsch and Robert Fuller in California last week are reminiscent of lynchings that have terrorized Black communities in the United States across centuries. Lynching has always been a symbol of racialized terror over Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. A symbol that sends a message of what will happen to those who are perceived as a threat to dominant White culture. It is shocking that those symbols are increasingly appearing, in places across the country. This must end.
The National Health Law Program expresses our condolences to and stands in solidarity with the families of Malcolm Harsch, Robert Fuller, and the families of other BIPOC who continue to face racial violence and white supremacy that perpetuates racial terror. We demand justice for Breonna Taylor whose murderers have yet to be arrested. We believe that it is long past time to dismantle White supremacy. As an organization, we commit to learning about White supremacy and support leading organizations of anti-racism such as the Movement for Black Lives. We invite others to join us in these efforts by supporting other organizations that provide spaces for truth-telling and reflection about racial terror in America and its legacy. We unequivocally say, “Black Lives Matter.”
