Fig Tree - Spokane County Human Rights Task Force statement

Human Rights Task Force supports peaceful protests, condemns violence

Yesterday thousands of people came out in downtown Spokane to express outrage about the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands (knee) of a uniformed Milwaukee police officer last week. Mr. Floyd was just the most recent killing captured on video. Others include Tony McDade, Sean Reed, Breonna Taylor, too many to name them all.

This has got to stop. We all want to feel safe where we live, where we shop, where we recreate and where we worship. Too many do not feel safe in one or more of these places!

The multitudes expressed their outrage through showing up in spite of the covid-19 stay at home order and the risk of spreading the disease. They were peaceful yet expressive. One of the most powerful moments was when law enforcement officers took a knee along with protesters. In another instance, protesters intervened to stop aggressive behavior of other participants. These actions were all documented. We express our appreciation for all of those who by their actions were saying that systemic racism and white supremacy must end.
We also condemn those rioters and looters who took advantage of the situation to create violence and destruction. We cannot let these few hijack the very important task at hand which is to understand and dismantle the layers of racism pervasive throughout our society leading to loss of life, as well as inequity in education, employment, housing and criminal justice.