CWA Statement on the Murder of Nine African American Citizens in Charleston

Washington, D.C. -- Yesterday, we once again awoke to devastating news that has become all too familiar in our nation. The murder of nine innocent individuals in Charleston, S.C., is a tragedy for that community and the entire nation. This crime not only conjures up memories of our country’s darkest moments, but also reminds us that, even today, race and hate are divisive and ever present elements in our society.

As the Civil Rights and Equity Committee recently stated in its report to CWA’s 75th Convention, we cannot ignore these issues, we cannot look away. As a progressive organization, we must stand together and confront the often uncomfortable realities that drive such violence. Race and hate have long divided the nation and prevented us from achieving a better democracy. Only when we acknowledge, together, that these realities exist, can we work toward building a stronger union, society, and nation for all.