STATEMENT OF THE WESTCHESTER BLACK BAR ASSOCIATION, INC.
ON THE RECENT KILLING OF SONYA MASSEY
The Westchester Black Bar Association, Inc. (WBBA) expresses heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Sonya Massey. We offer prayers for peace and strength as our community mourns the loss of another life to police violence.
We unequivocally denounce the actions of the police officers involved in the shooting of Sonya Massey. We stand with her family in demanding a full investigation and swift legal action against those responsible for this needless tragedy.
On July 6, 2024, Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old, unarmed Black woman was tragically shot by police officers in her home in Springfield, Illinois. This incident starkly highlights the ongoing issues of racial injustice and the misuse of force within our law enforcement agencies. Despite the continuous calls for reform, such heartbreaking events persist, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
The WBBA stands united with all who protest racial injustice, police brutality, and the inequitable treatment of people of color. It is crucial to channel our grief and outrage into actionable change. Protests are vital, but we must also leverage our influence at the ballot box and through legislative advocacy to secure equal justice for all.
We call upon our government officials to enforce policies that uphold the rights of every individual, as enshrined in the Constitutions of the United States and New York. Addressing and dismantling systemic racism requires a comprehensive approach, particularly focusing on:
1. Reforming police use of force, racial profiling, and discriminatory practices.
2. Combating workplace discrimination.
3. Ensuring equal access to employment and educational opportunities for people of color.
The WBBA encourages its members to stay engaged in the pursuit of social justice. We urge our members to offer their legal expertise pro bono to those protesting for justice and to support justice initiatives through financial contributions. Voting remains a powerful tool for change; we implore our members to actively participate in the electoral process, safeguard voting rights, and involve their communities in the census, voter registration, jury service, and local organizations.
The ideal of “… one Nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all” must be more than words; It must be a reality for everyone, regardless of race. We must persist in our efforts, united in the fight for justice and equality.
