WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the conviction of Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael and William Bryan in the shooting murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man, National League of Cities (NLC) President, Mayor Vince Williams of Union City, Georgia, issued the following statement:
“Today justice was delivered on behalf of Ahmaud Arbery, his family and loved ones. Ahmaud’s tragic murder was a powerful reminder of the racism still deeply embedded in our country.
While we still have a long way to go in ensuring fair justice and racial equity in this country, this verdict shows us what we can achieve when we come together as a nation.
I encourage my peers to continue to have hard, but necessary conversations with their residents to help heal racial divisions and ensure we create communities where residents of all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds feel safe. It is but one example of how our cities, towns and villages, can continue to deliver our piece of the promise of justice to all residents of our great nation.”
For programs and resources on how local governments can strengthen their knowledge and capacity to eliminated racial disparities, heal racial divisions, and build more equitable communities, please click here.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.