Sharen I. Duke, Executive Director and CEO of The Alliance for Positive Change, issued the following statement about the death of U.S. Congressman John Lewis on Friday, July 17, 2020:
“This weekend, we lost a hero and icon of the civil rights movement – the Honorable Congressman John Lewis. Marching side-by-side with Dr. Martin Luther King, Congressman Lewis never gave up on the dream to achieve justice, dignity and equality for all. He stood up against discrimination on any basis, and as a staunch supporter of the HIV/AIDS community, he told advocates, “Your life is valuable. You are beautiful and strong, you must stay the course, and you must continue the fight. You cannot give up, and you cannot give in. Please know that you are not alone.” We mourn his loss, celebrate his life, and revere his commitment to creating a more equitable, just, and hopeful world for all of us.”
Statement from Alliance Amid Demonstrations Following the Death of George Floyd
We are deeply anguished by the senseless acts of discrimination and violence happening across our country, where Black Americans are being killed in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Minneapolis – Tony McDade, Ahmaud Marquez Arbery, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, and George Floyd. Our hearts go out to all Black and Brown individuals, families and communities affected by these and other national tragedies.
It is all of our responsibility to find a way to end this cycle of racism and violence. We cannot, should not, and will not tolerate racism in any form. We must stand together to achieve justice and a stronger, safer future for all of us.