Position Statement regarding the death of Mr. George Floyd. 

The African Diaspora Council condemns all forms of racism and unjust law enforcement practices that result in the death of unarmed individuals in police custody. In partnership with African immigrant leaders in the Greater St. Louis region, we hereby express our sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr. George Floyd, and we join with all those who grieve in the wake of his murder.

The African Diaspora Council stands in solidarity with the Floyd Family and join millions of Americans in the fight against racism and police brutality.  We pledge to our St. Louis community to speak firmly against any hate crime, racism, and senseless violence against people regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, religion, and sexual orientation or gender identity.  We continue to advocate for those people who are disproportionately impacted by these senseless and stressful events that often lead to the demise of our lives. We call on elected officials and community leaders to examine their biases and roll up our sleeves to make systemic changes to protect lives from such blatant disregard of human rights, especially for our African American brothers and sisters, and anyone with African heritage community that has suffered horrible inequities and fatalities from the time of the middle passage to the present. 

African Diaspora council and its community applaud the conduct of Minneapolis Chief of Police Medaria Arradondo, who while visiting the scene where Mr. Floyd was killed by his police officers, confirmed that Officer Derek Chauvin perpetrated a violation of humanity contrary to departmental values. We commend the Chief for his action in firing the four officers involved.   As he said, "Silence is an action – you’re complicit." However, we join the millions of Americans in demanding more Police reforms.

The African Diaspora Council takes pride in our heritage, and we value and respect all human life. The African Diaspora Council invites all government organizations and their leadership to consider bold action to seek greater equity and eliminate systemic racism and harm to African-Americans and anyone with African heritage: 

Rest in Peace Mr. George Floyd.!

Michael Kodjo Anani

CEO, African Diaspora Council