July 14, 2016

Statement by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, Montgomery County Branch of the NAACP, the Faith Community Working Group and the Montgomery County Police Department

“The recent events in St. Anthony, Minnesota and Baton Rouge, Louisiana and now Dallas, Texas have reignited passionate conversations throughout our nation. In Montgomery County, our diversity is reflected not only in our race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and religion; it is reflected in our life experiences as well. These life experiences shape our points of view and opinions on the tragic events that occurred in these three cities."

"As the leaders of a coalition of organizations in Montgomery County: the Montgomery County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, the Faith Community Working Group and the Police Department, we believe it is important to have these conversations, and to reaffirm our belief in the sanctity of every life, the protection of everyone’s Constitutional rights, and the importance of a respectful and trusting relationship between the police department and the community. Our hearts go out to the families of all of those killed and injured."

“On Tuesday, July 19, at the Silver Spring Civic Building at 7 p.m. and on Wednesday July 20, at 7 p.m. at the Up-County Regional Service Center, Germantown, the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, the Montgomery County Branch of the NAACP, the Faith Community Working Group and the Montgomery County Police Department along with full support from the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission, the Committee on Hate Violence and the Black Ministers' Conference will host joint, town hall meetings to encourage further dialogue about these and other issues."

“We encourage everyone who is interested to participate and share their thoughts, feelings and ideas. Our collective goal is a Montgomery County free of violence, with enhanced safety of everyone in our community. This goal is only achievable when the entire community gets involved. Please make every effort to attend and have your voice heard.”