Statement from Emerge President A’shanti F. Gholar on Today’s Verdict in Kenosha, Wisconsin

  • Nov 19, 2021
  • A'shanti F. Gholar

Today’s verdict in Kenosha, Wisconsin is a reminder that injustice still exists in America. We stand with the victims and the public’s right to protest and strongly condemn this senseless violence.

Two people needlessly lost their lives and another was injured because they were at a protest against the killing of yet another unarmed Black man by police. Again and again, we see violence like this play out in communities across America, predominantly against people of color and other marginalized communities, and no one is held accountable. We must continue to stand up against white supremacy and police brutality and demand better.

Watching this trial play out, many of us dreaded the verdict we would hear. Judges play a vital role in ensuring that justice is applied equally in our court systems, and the behavior of this one almost ensured that it wouldn’t be here. Many judges, including the one in this trial, are elected officials and it’s up to us to hold them accountable and replace them if they are no longer doing their job.

Emerge is committed to filling the pipeline with Democratic women leaders who can run for judgeships and other positions of power and help make our communities more equitable. By putting strong, moral leaders in positions of power, we can help ensure a fairer system for us all.