In his speech at the annual convention of the ongoing black rights activist National Action Network (NAN) organization in New York, Harris referred to the case of Tire Nichols, who was beaten to death by police in Tennessee earlier this year. The Vice President said that “public safety” in the country should include everyone, including blacks.
Emphasizing the need for accountability of police using excessive force with prejudice, Harris said, “We all agree that we should do more to improve public safety and that Congress pass comprehensive police reform legislation.” used the phrase.
Drawing attention to the armed violence in the country, Harris underlined that there were more than 150 armed mass attacks this year, and according to the latest data, gun violence is the first cause of death for young people.
“While gun violence affects the entire community, it affects blacks unequally more,” Harris said. Blacks make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, and more than 60 percent of homicide victims.” said.
Stating that safety laws should be enacted for federal and state gun control, Harris called on state legislatures and Congress to address this issue as soon as possible.
City council members whose dismissal is requested
Stating that people who oppose gun violence in the country cannot be silenced, Harris also touched upon the case of three Democrat city councilors who were asked to be expelled for protesting the shooting at a school in Tennessee.
“Tennessee has voted to dismiss 3 elected MPs and two black youths have been removed from their seats,” Harris said. But now Justin Pearson and Justin Jones are back again after 7,000 students and their families raised their voices.” he said.
Two black MPs, voted out by Republicans for participating in the April 3 student protests, won yesterday’s “reassignment” approval to return them to their seats in a top vote in city councils.
The annual congress of the National Action Network, which started the previous day and discusses the issues of racism, discrimination and violence experienced by black people in the USA, will end tomorrow.