NASW Kentucky Chapter on Grand Jury Decision on Breonna Taylor Murder
LEXINGTON, KY - The National Association of Social Workers Kentucky Chapter (NASW-KY) is deeply disappointed by a grand jury decision to bring no charges against three police officers in the death of Breonna Taylor. Instead, one officer was charged with wanton endangerment for shooting into a home next to Ms. Taylor's residence.
The grand jury's decisions are devastating but NASW Kentucky is emboldened and will continue to champion advocacy and justice in Breonna Taylor's name for all Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
The world mourns with Kentucky the tragic loss of Breonna's life and the unending racial trauma and inequity that has plagued our state for centuries.
Some deny and disparage the pain in our words and take actions to silence our right to speak. NASW-KY is disappointed in those elected officials who have used social media to spread divisive rhetoric as we must come together to address systemic racism in our society, including in our criminal justice system.
Today, we must begin the healing process and allow ourselves to grieve individually and mourn collectively.
May we honor Breonna's life through internal reflections on our own biases.
May we work towards external accountability to end racial injustice in our own homes, professions, and communities across Kentucky and beyond.
May our passion for social and racial justice, our persistence and perseverance to make the significant and sustaining changes we need in Kentucky, power us forward.
This is our time, Kentucky, to show the world our strength and resolve to be anti-racist by using our voices and votes to end racial injustice in our lifetime.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.
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