[Press Release] Community Unites to Support Families of Those Killed by Police.

RENO, Nevada, Sep. 8, 2020 — On September 12th at 12:30 pm, families who are directly impacted by state-sanctioned violence will gather at the federal courthouse to mourn loved ones and tell their stories. This is the third occurrence of this annual event. These families deserve to be lifted up and heard by our community.

Immediately following the event there will be a reception for families with a string vigil at Sierra Arts Foundation. Community members are encouraged to bring flowers, signs, food, and empathetic support for these families whose loved ones were taken too soon.

On Friday, September 11th a community art build will be held at the Holland project at 6 pm to produce signs and write letters of support to families. All participants must wear a mask at both events and adherence to social distancing guidelines is mandatory.

Recent reports have shown an increase in police violence nationwide with Reno ranking 8th in the nation per-capita. The United States Constitution’s 14th and 15th amendments were created to protect the rights of citizens; to be innocent until proven guilty, yet so many are killed before receiving their day in court.

“You may have heard the talk of diversity, sensitivity training, and body cameras. These are all fine and applicable, but they understate the task and allow the citizens of this country to pretend that there is real distance between their own attitudes and those of the ones appointed to protect them. The truth is that the police reflect America in all of its will and fear, and whatever we might make of this country’s criminal justice policy, it cannot be said that it was imposed by a repressive minority.”
-Ta-Nehisi Coates, Between the World and Me

For additional information, contact Reno Cop Watch or Lily Baran on Facebook.