FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michigan Legislators, Governor, Lt. Governor support
peaceful protesters and condemn senseless violence
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Chair and Senator Marshall Bullock (D-Detroit), Detroit Caucus Chair and Representative Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit), Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II issued the following statement encouraging Michiganders to peacefully protest while they demand justice for George Floyd:
“To those who are peacefully protesting while demanding liberty and justice for all: we walk with you in strength and solidarity. Out of the fractured sadness, despair, and widespread anger at the tragic murder of George Floyd has arisen a powerful, united voice. A collective voice that denounces police brutality and inequity, the abhorrent actions taken against our Black and Brown brothers and sisters, and that calls out to reform the long-standing, systemic racial inequities in this country. A clear voice that reiterates, ‘Enough is enough.’ We hear you.
“And to those who are distracting from this long overdue discussion and movement with senseless violence and rioting: we condemn your actions and those who amplify them. Our communities are struggling — and deeply mourning — and your distractions are simply hurtful and damaging. This is a time for rational thought and actions, exemplified by those using their voices and feet to march for justice. Please, have some empathy and respect for those suffering.
“We know that we can do anything when we do it together, so let’s keep talking and moving the arc to bend toward justice because the world is listening. Your voices matter and Black lives matter to us — today, and every day — just as they always have.”
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Contacts:
Sen. Bullock – Bobby Lawrence, BLawrence@senate.michigan.gov, (517) 373-7918
Rep. Gay-Dagnogo – SherryGayDagnogo@house.mi.gov, (517) 373-3815
Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist – press@michigan.gov