The Social Action Committee and the general membership of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Dover and Vicinity stand in prayer and support of the family of Mr. Tyre Nichols, who died after a violent encounter. Five former Memphis (Tennessee) Police Department officers have been charged with second-degree murder.. While we, too, are outraged and grief-stricken, we stop to join in the mourning process of the Nichols family.
We are praying for the Memphis community and hope that all protests that occur will be peaceful and nondestructive. We realize the nature of this situation provokes high emotions and the demand for justice from people across this country. Peace and justice are inextricably tied to one another. Regarding the killing of Tyre Nichols, we believe that one of the best ways for us to respond is to honor Tyre and the request of his family for a peaceful response.
We applaud the Memphis police chief, Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, for immediately responding to this egregious event surrounding the death of this young Black man, who died after a confrontation during a traffic stop. Her swift actions to investigate, prosecute and terminate those five offenders should serve as a model to police forces across our country. The killing of any person through the use of excessive force by law enforcement is inexcusable and unacceptable. The failure to value this young Black man’s dignity and humanity is entirely unacceptable. It is our position that, when such occurs, all persons involved should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of race, color or creed.
Locally, we appreciate the joint statement made by the Delaware Law Enforcement Partnership, specifically, “The Delaware Law Enforcement Partnership wants to assure our communities that we are committed to continuing to work with our community leaders, elected and appointed officials, and each other, to create a culture of service and community engagement that will prevent a tragedy like the one in Memphis.” The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Dover commits to working with Chief Thomas Johnson, local law enforcement officers and law enforcement throughout our state to introduce laws and systems of oversight that will swiftly indict and prosecute all who violate the public trust by the use of excessive and brutal force.
Lastly, we caution the viewing of the video that has captured yet another heinous crime. As people of color and faith, we have experienced countless years of racially motivated trauma. The images shown in this video may trigger latent trauma and have an adverse effect on those who view it. We can demand and fight for justice for our dear brother without being further traumatized by unsolicited violence.
W. James Thomas II
President, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Dover and Vicinity
Senior pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Dover
Carol E. Boggerty
Social action chair, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Dover and Vicinity
Senior pastor, The WELL Church, Dover
