ACLU of NebraskaVerified account

James Scurlock was calling for justice at a demonstration born from tragedy, a protest demanding we confront the racism in our nation and our communities, demanding we act because #BlackLivesMatter. We honor James’ memory by hearing his call for justice. 2/

Our original statement on these protests stands and doesn’t waver. We are in solidarity with all people calling for racial justice and liberation. 3/

We protest because Black, Latinx, Indigenous Nebraskans and all Nebraskans of color are far more likely to be subjected to police authority than white people year after year. 4/

For too long, Nebraskans of color have been grossly overrepresented at every stage of our broken criminal justice system - from the traffic stop to our overcrowded prisons. 5/

We protest to call attention to the systemic racism throughout our communities that continues to kill and harm people of color every day. Racism is the root cause of this moment’s anger and turbulence. 6/

The continued militarized response to these protests from law enforcement is escalating the situation and putting people at risk. The right to protest is a fundamental right. 7/