May 8, 2025

Memphis, TN– As we process the guilty verdicts of the five police officers responsible for the brutal killing of Tyre Nichols, we are left with a mix of emotions – sadness, anger, and frustration, but also a sense of determination. Young, Gifted & Green, an organization dedicated to fighting for civil rights and environmental justice, knows that this verdict is not only a reflection of the systemic racism that plagues our communities, but also a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done.

Tyre’s death is a painful reminder of the countless Black lives lost at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve. It is a reminder of the historic and ongoing struggle for justice, equality, and human rights not just in Memphis, but across this nation. It is also a testament to the power of community, of activism, and of the collective resistance that refuses to be silenced.

This verdict triggers the countless times Black communities have been failed by the systems designed to protect us. We are reminded of the brutality, the racial profiling, the lack of accountability that has led to far too many lives lost. But we are also reminded of the resilience, the strength, and the determination of the Black community – a community that has always found ways to rise up, to organize, and to demand change.

Today, we call on our elected officials, our law enforcement agencies, and our community leaders to take concrete actions to address the systemic racism and police brutality that has plagued this country for far too long. We demand policies, practices, and procedures that prioritize the safety, dignity, and humanity of Black lives. We demand accountability, transparency, and justice.

To the Nichols family, we offer our deepest condolences and our commitment to continue fighting for a world where Tyre’s life is not lost in vain. To the people of Memphis, let us continue to organize, to mobilize, and to demand a better future. Let us all recognize the inherent value and worth of Black lives, and let us work together to create a world where justice, equality, and humanity are not just ideals, but a reality for all.

We stand in solidarity with the Official Black Lives Matter Chapter and encourage those in the Memphis Community to support the following event May 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM at the National Civil Rights Museum Courtyard: