In the Wake of Another Racially Motivated Mass Shooting, It’s Time to Change the Rhetoric

JACKSONVILLE – Following a mass shooting at Dollar General in Jacksonville, Florida, where three Black patrons were killed, the national racial equity organization Race Forward issued the following statement: 

“Our hearts go out to the families impacted by the mass shooting this weekend in Jacksonville, FL. As this country grapples with another senseless, racially targeted shooting, we grieve with the families whose lives have been changed forever,” said Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward. 

“That this shooting occurred on the weekend of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, is a testament that this country remains racially divided and driven by white supremacist ideas. It is also a reminder and impetus of the urgency of the work that must be done to secure the dream the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of decades ago.” 

“The shooter indicated in a manifesto that he wanted to kill Black people and armed with a Glock and AR-15 rifle, he was able to terrorize a community with his ideology of hate. The shooting not only impacted the victim and their family, but also terrorizes communities of color across this country who are vulnerable to similar targeting.” 

“For all people who say that dialogue on racial equity and teaching about race and racism is unnecessary, this latest racially motivated attack suggests otherwise,” concluded Harris. “It is important for all Americans not only to know our history, but also learn how to overcome it and build bridges to advance a just multiracial society, where we can all thrive, prosper and live.”