National Urban League: Hate Crimes Conviction of Ahmaud Arbery’s Murderers Is “A Major Milestone In the Nation's Ongoing Journey Toward Racial Justice"

NEW YORK (February 22, 2022) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the conviction of Gregory and Travis McMichael, and William Bryan on federal hate crimes charges:

“Today's verdict represents a major milestone in the nation's ongoing journey toward racial justice.  The prosecutors proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Ahmaud Arbery's murderers acted not simply out of hatred for Ahmaud, but to enforce a twisted white supremacist worldview.

“Such prosecutions are rare and authorities shy away from bringing such cases because they are notoriously difficult to prove. However, this verdict makes clear that juries can see through false arguments that explain away hate, bias, and discrimination. The chase and murder of Ahmaud Arbery was motivated by his actual and perceived race and color. There’s no way around it. Very few defendants have taken such brazen and outspoken pride in their own bigotry as Gregory, Travis McMichael, and William Bryan. In text messages, social media posts, and casual remarks to neighbors and acquaintances, they made no secret of their contempt for Black people and their explicit desire to see them come to harm.

 “As the nation continues to grapple with racially motivated violence by police and vigilantes who shroud themselves in self-appointed authority, the jury sent a powerful message: We see you for what you are, and we will not tolerate your deadly campaign of intimidation.  This verdict draws a clear line in the sand.

“It is poignant that the verdict comes almost precisely two years to the day after Ahmaud's murder. The delay in seeking justice, the unquestioning acceptance of the murderers' false claims of self-defense, the haste with which white prosecutors circled the wagons to protect the killers all stand as a testament to the systemic racism that continues to infest our criminal justice system at every level.

“We extend our deepest sympathy and steadfast support to Ahmaud's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, and our profound admiration for Assistant United States Attorney Tara Lyons' expert prosecution of the case.”

 

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CONTACT:           Teresa Candori
                               212-55-5362 | tcandori@nul.org