16 MAY 2022

Haitian Bridge Alliance and Immigration Hub: “Once again, we find ourselves feeling the anguish of lives lost to acts of terrorism against Black communities.”

WASHINGTON, DC -  The Haitian Bridge Alliance and Immigration Hub issued the following statement in response to the racially-motivated mass shooting at the Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, New York and increased targeting of minorities including Black communities, Asian-Americans, Latinos, and other communities of color:

“Our heart goes out to the victims, families and community impacted by the mass shooting in Buffalo. Racism and violence have pervaded America for too long, with Black communities remaining the most targeted group in terms of hate crimes. Once again, we find ourselves feeling the anguish of lives lost to acts of terrorism against minority communities driven by white supremacist ideologies.” 

“With more communities confronting this growing threat that is seeping into every facet of American life, we cannot afford to remain silent or fail to hold those accountable who spread or act on racism and xenophobia. In addition to this mass shooting targeting a Black neighborhood, Asian-Americans continue to be targeted as Anti-Asian hate crimes increased 339 percent nationwide in 2021. We know that a majority of Republicans, commentators in right-wing media, and individuals and groups on online platforms have distorted truths and spread racist and bigoted ideologies, such as ‘the invasion’ and ‘the Great Replacement theory’ cited by mass murderers in Buffalo, Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas.  

“Our elected leaders have a responsibility to change course, deliver rhetoric and policies that counter systemic racism and exemplify how our diversity is this nation’s greatest strength. The future of our democracy and communities rests in all of our hands, and it starts with the courage to act.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.