WV-NAACP Full Statement in regards to Rep. Jay Lawrence:
“The WV-NAACP has learned of the disparaging comments made by Representative Jay Lawrence in regards to gun policies as they relate to black and brown communities. As an organization we are not surprised by the ‘good ole boy’ views of Lawrence or others that have echoed this type of ignorance against our community. It has become common practice for racist comments to be the go-to as opposed to highlighting the greatness of our people.
We’ve come to understand that expecting to hear these type of elected officials highlight the intellect of black women, the highest educated group in America, or the strength of black men, on whose back this country was built, is an unrealistic expectation. We don’t expect officials who have limited to no exposure to black or brown people at all to embrace the black American experience, appreciate the black labor that built this country, or acknowledge that the black influence is the heartbeat of America. Our contribution to this country is too great to number from our labor, our intellect, our music, our style, the black experience is the pulse of America.
We also do not expect Lawrence or others like him to discuss the violent truths of our country that shine light on their sins and threaten their privilege. We do not expect them to tout the record number of white youth that have participated in mass shootings of young children, malls or theatres. We don’t expect the conversation of gun violence or gun policy to point to the youth of white America when we talk about Columbine to Sandy Hook because where are blacks to blame in the narrative of white domestic terrorism?
We understand that if our community will be uplifted it will not be at the hands or out of the mouths of officials that are furthering our country’s divide. As a people we must stand up and demand that we are afforded the respect and resources that other citizens receive. It is with this in mind that the WV-NAACP is issuing a call for action to be taken by black and brown citizens immediately by participating in the 2020 Census.
The efforts of the 2020 Census are underway and it is through participation of the Census that our residents can move toward adequate resources for our families. We are calling on our community to participate in this initiative. We are committed to partnering with the efforts of the Census and will be hosting an event to make it easier for our communities to participate and be counted. It is in the power of numbers that we will begin to bring about change and the Census is a good way to go about this.
Holding true to our familial and community values of forgiveness we invite Rep. Lawrence and others who share his ideology to sit down with various community leaders and organizations from the black and brown communities. We are open and committed to honest and transparent dialogue with any officials who are willing to be a part of healing our nation instead of tearing it apart.”
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