FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2020
Contact: Will Pregman, [email protected], 702.752.0656
Speaker Jason Frierson discusses systemic racism and legislative response at Facebook Live Town Hall
***Livestream Recording Here***
LAS VEGAS, NV – Tonight, Speaker of the Nevada Assembly, Jason Frierson, joined a Town Hall hosted by Battle Born Progress via Facebook Live. Speaker Frierson discussed what the Black Lives Matter protests in response to the police killing of George Floyd and others means for the political moment, and what we can all do together to address systemic racism.
Speaker Jason Frierson said:
“The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery have reminded us that systemic racism remains a serious danger to Black lives in 2020. Nevadans, and Americans all across the country, are rightfully outraged and are channeling that frustration to protest for justice and accountability to be served. These issues have affected me personally and I’ve made it my life’s work to utilize my position to champion good policy that brings people to the table. In the Assembly, we have worked across partisan lines to pass criminal justice reform and restoring the right to vote for formerly incarcerated Nevadans. But more still needs to be done. I believe wholeheartedly that Black Lives Matter and I stand committed to work with my colleagues to pass additional reforms to build our communities up, establish trust between communities of color and law enforcement, and hold accountable law enforcement who use excessive force and endanger the lives and Constitutional rights of Nevadans.”
Annette Magnus, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, said:
“The murder of George Floyd, Byron Williams, Tashii Brown Farmer, Rafeal Oliva, and the countless families whose loved ones have been killed at the hands of local law enforcement is despicable and yet another wake-up call for the nation about the racism that is deeply entrenched in law enforcement and every single institution in this country. Moreover, it’s a time for white Americans, myself included, to reflect on how we all actively and passively contribute to systems that oppress Black people in this country and make changes immediately. Black Lives Matter should not be a controversial statement, and this is a moment in history where our leaders, elected or otherwise, need to show us who they truly are and rise to the challenge of leveraging their power to improve lives for the communities most impacted by police violence. I’m proud of the work Speaker Frierson has accomplished to protect and restore the right to vote, begin to reform the criminal justice system, and to raise the minimum wage. We look forward to continuing to work with him to create legislative solutions that will eradicate systemic racism in the prison industrial complex AKA ”criminal justice system” and affirm the civil and human rights of Black Nevadans and address the dire needs of our communities across this state due to the COVID19 crisis.”
Spokespeople in Spanish or English are available for individual interviews.
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