Sankofa.

Org Issues Statement Urging Artists and People

to Stand up and Demand Social Justice in Ferguson
We at Sankofa.org, along with the rest of the world, have been riveted and dismayed upon witnessing
the blatant oppression in Ferguson, MO of people, mostly Black mericans who have attempted to
peacefully demonstrate and stand up for the violation of their natural civil and human rights.

!ew "ork, !", September #$, %#&' ( We at Sankofa.org, along with the rest of the world, have
been riveted and dismayed upon witnessing the blatant oppression in Ferguson, MO of people,
mostly Black Americans who have attempted to peacefully demonstrate and stand up for the
violation of their natural civil and human rights. ankofa is deeply heartbroken that yet another
black mother and father has suffered the pain and death of their unarmed child as a result of a
!uestionable and unmitigated act of violence. Our hearts go out to all the family and friends of
Michael Brown.
Sankofa.org applauds the courage and bravery of the Ferguson community who have united
together and also galvani"ed a national and international outcry to end the militari"ation by the
police and restore hope and peace in their community.
#We appreciate all the artists and people alike who are heeding our call and speaking out to
answer the !uestion, What $o %ou tand For&' says (o)$irector, *ina Belafonte. One of
ankofa.org+s core missions is to end systemic violence in our society. ankofa.org believes, like
its founder ,arry Belafonte, that as a community of artists we must be a counterbalance, a
communication channel, to inform, educate, inspire and empower. ankofa.org intends to do its
part to re)ignite the kind of activism that -ust doesn+t petition for a #more perfect union,' but
demands it. As Martin .uther /ing, 0r., stated succinctly, #(hange does not roll in on the wheels of
inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and
work for our freedom.1
2aoul 2oach, (o)$irector stated, #Although we applaud the move by the 0ustice $epartment to
open a (ivil 2ights investigation into policing practices in Ferguson and surrounding communities,
we see this as only a first step.' 3t is now the people+s responsibility to make the #tate' 4i.e.,
local, state and federal authorities5, accountable to its citi"enry, and make it clear that we demand
swift action. 6hat demand will only be taken seriously if we make the tate uncomfortable in its
ability to delay -ustice and allow oppression to continue in communities like Ferguson.
Sankofa.org is working and building coalitions on the ground in Ferguson and around the
country. 6he organi"ation recently sent artists and activists to Missouri to assess, connect and
identify indigenous leadership and work with them to find tactical solutions that will hopefully
bring true and lasting empowerment to the Ferguson community. ankofa.org is also continuing to
convene meetings beyond Ferguson to identify meaningful support and resources.
Sankofa.org urges citi"ens of the 7nited tates and the world to -oin this necessary movement,
to be fervently persistent and to let the people+s voices ring loudly and continue to demonstrate
for -ustice. We encourage artists and activists to speak out, organi"e and use their tools and craft
to support communities like Ferguson. We will not end social in-ustice unless we maintain our
vigilance and leverage our political, economic and cultural strength to demand and achieve non)
violent and lasting change.
ankofa is a social -ustice organi"ation founded by iconic activist8entertainer ,arry Belafonte that
enlists the support of today9s most celebrated artists and influential individuals in collaboration
with grassroots partners to elevate the voices of the disenfranchised, and to promote peace and
e!uality. For more information go to: www.sankofa.org
Contact:
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Miles ,igh ;roductions
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http:88www.mileshighproductions.com8
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