Justice for Tyre Nichols and all Victims of Police Brutality

Athens, Georgia-On January 7, 2023, less than three years after George Floyd’s death, 29-year-old Tyre Nichols was viciously beaten by five police officers, which caused him to be hospitalized. This incident caused Nichols’ death three days later. This was just another example of the failures of our criminal justice system, and we must DEMAND justice for Tyre Nichols and for all the lives lost due to police brutality.

As a community, we cannot remain silent. We must demand accountability. Some people continue to yell “Blue Lives Matter” and quickly say that not all police or law enforcement officers are “Bad Guys”. Some people will make excuses by saying this is an isolated incident, but when five Black officers beat a Black man to death during a traffic stop, we must take a deeper look at what’s WRONG with the criminal justice system. This overly aggressive behavior is far too common when law enforcement officers engage with Black men.

Historically, racist policing, unlawful arrests and excessive force have plagued America and the murder of Tyre Nichols should remind us that police violence still remains a problem that must be addressed. From the local, state, to federal levels, we must demand accountability and face the TRUTH that we have a toxic culture of policing.

Right here in Georgia, just two months ago, 41-year-old Jarrett Hobbs was beaten by five officers at once, while under state custody at Camden County Jail. Georgia law enforcement is not exempt from displaying this type of violent behavior.

The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) stands united with Memphis and the nation to demand justice for Tyre Nichols and other victims of police brutality, misconduct, or mistreatment. Join us for the Justice for Black Lives Rally honoring Tyre Nichols on Thursday, February 9th at 5:30 pm at City Hall in downtown Athens, GA.

AADM has three demands:

We demand that ACC Mayor and the newly elected Commission fully support the Athens Public Safety Civilian Oversight board (PSCOB).
We demand that our State Legislators end Qualified Immunity and any other legal protections that shield Law Enforcement officers both in the courts and from termination.
We request that community members support the AADM Justice reform initiatives and that Athenians stand together to demand accountability in policing.

Join us on Thursday, February 9th at 5:30 pm at City Hall to show your support. Please fill out this survey on policing and public safety: https://www.aadmovement.org/aadms-community-survey-on-policing-and-public-safety/

For more information, email admin@aadmovement.org, or for media interviews, contact jasminejohnsonedu@gmail.com.