NaFFAA joins calls for justice for George Floyd

AFP

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) strongly condemns the actions of the police officers involved in the death of George Floyd, and demands justice for his untimely demise.

On May 25, 2020, Mr. Floyd was apprehended by four Minneapolis police officers for low-level forgery. Mr. Floyd was handcuffed and restrained with a knee on his neck for eight minutes. Pleas of “I can’t breathe” could be heard from Mr. Floyd as bystanders urged the officer to ease the pressure on his neck. Mr. Floyd was pronounced dead an hour after the incident.

NaFFAA National Chairman and President, Brendan Flores, issued the following statement on the original incident, and the recent announcement that former police officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter:

“The egregious use of force employed by former police officer Derek Chauvin, and the three other officers in this case, was unnecessary and a clear violation of their vow to serve and protect.  Through their unapologetic use of brutal and lethal force, these officers displayed actions that show a blatant disregard for humanity.

“What this incident has sparked is an outcry from a community so exhausted from years of systemic racism and brutality.  We must join our Black brothers and sisters in their expression of sorrow and resist the temptation to discount the toll that many generations of destructive oppression have ingrained in the very roots of our culture.

“As Filipino Americans, and members of the Asian American community at large, we are keenly aware of the ways racism can adversely affect a community.  Because of this, we must join the chorus in support of black lives.  For George Floyd.  For Eric Garner.  For Breonna Taylor.  For Ahmaud Arbery.  For their families and friends. For the soul of our nation.  We cannot and should not let their tragedies become just uncomfortable memories.

“Yes, all lives have value.  But for many, especially in Black communities, that value has not seemed to apply to all.  For the sake of justice, I pray that the individuals responsible for Mr. Floyd’s death are held to their fullest accountability.  We call for a full and fair investigation and demand that the legal process will ensure that justice will be served.  For the sake of unity, we must stand with our Black brothers and sisters, and work to eradicate anti-Blackness within our own families, hearts, and minds.”