Rep. Napoleon Nelson
(Photo/Pa. House)
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, chaired by state Rep. Napoleon Nelson (D-Montgomery) released the following statement on the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the lowering of American flags in his honor.
“The rise in violence against public figures across this nation is deeply concerning. The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus affirms our commitment to building a society where political debate leads to deeper understanding and non-violent solutions. We extend our condolences to the family of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was murdered on Sept. 10 in Utah.
“At the same time, we must express our disgust regarding the decision by the president to direct American flags to be lowered in his honor. The lowering of our national flag, a sacred symbol of unity, mourning and honor, should be reserved for those whose lives and legacies universally embody the values of justice, equity and service to all people.
“When this honor is extended to individuals whose public platforms have sown division, marginalized communities of color, or amplified rhetoric harmful to the pursuit of justice as Kirk’s has, it sends a painful message to many. It suggests that the very government that we look to for protection, representation and inclusion has instead chosen to cast us out. The decision by the president is offensive on its face, and when taken in context of the rest of his blatant administrative directives against minority communities before and following Kirk’s death, the PLBC and the State of Pennsylvania cannot ignore the urgent need to protect and defend the very communities that have often been the subject of Kirk’s rhetoric.
“We must grieve the tragic loss of life and simultaneously remain clear about the values we uphold as a nation. We must continue to engage in political discourse in all corners of the Commonwealth while also standing firm in defense of those communities that are under siege.
Political violence can be carried out by oppressive institutional actions just as much as the ignition of gunpowder.
“Let us honor our freedom of speech by speaking truth. Let us honor our nation by owning our history, seeking unity, and doggedly advancing justice.”
Leave a Comment