Today, on the First day of the shortest month of the year that Black History is celebrated, the nation is mourning and observing the last rites of Tyre Nichols. Once again, family and friends will gather together to celebrate his short lived time on this earth.

Tyre is the latest in the vast and growing number of Black lives who have been murdered by undisciplined, unbridled police. This time it was in Tvre's home town of Memphis. Tennessee. Their given reason... He "started to fight", after a traffic stop. There is no evidence that the officers were in harm's way when they captured and unmercifully beat this unarmed young Black man.

Once again, the phrases "shock and dismay" are embraced as the accepted expressions over the horrific footage that portrayed the unaccepted brutal and outrageous beating that Tyre endured before succumbing to his injustices.

We know and appreciate that all policemen do not act irresponsibly. They put their lives on the line every dav to serve and protect their communities, and we thank them. The revelation that the police officers in Tyre's case were Black is inexcusable, and it is NO excuse to overlook their actions. It is no more excusable than the numerous actions of White officers lacing the same accusations. Those that act in an irresponsible manner should face the consequences of their actions.

Once again, "prayers and sympathy are offered to the family. The eulogy will be delivered by the Rev. Al Sharpton, a familiar comfort to the countless numbers of families who have experienced the suffered losses of loved ones who were brutalized and or killed by the police.

Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the service, along with other senior level administration officials. Their benevolent acts of support DOES raise the question, "What are You going to do about it?*

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which passed in the House in 2021, but failed in the Senate, would limit qualified-immunity policies that protect officers accused of misconduct; create a national registry of sustained disciplinary actions against officers; and ban chokeholds and ban no-Knock warrants, among other measures.



We join with the voices of others to urge Congress to pass this stalled legislation aimed at combating police misconduct. Do it Now. This is the month that we could celebrate the beginning of conversations about policing in a responsible way to benefit all of Americans.

In Unity,

Clayola Brown, President

A. Philip Randolph Institute