A Statement of Solidarity from La Casa’s Board President and Executive Director

Photo Credit: Chrystofer Davis (@dolofoto)

La Casa de Don Pedro stands in solidarity with the courageous individuals who continue to peacefully protest in Newark, in other U.S. cities and in cities across the world, institutional racism and police brutality. We are proud of Newark’s leadership, police force, and residents who resolve to make sure protests are productive and not divisive.

La Casa was founded by people committed to resolve the injustice around them. Through community organizing, our founders actively participated in the Black and Puerto Rican coalition to elect Newark’s first Black mayor, Kenneth Gibson. Over the years, La Casa has continued to organize and advocate, and deliver services that address the racial and social injustices that continue to be perpetuated in our city, region, and our country. Simply put, La Casa de Don Pedro’s mission and purpose is to educate and empower the black and brown members of our community, create wealth-building opportunities, and revitalize our neighborhoods so that everyone can experience the quality of life that they deserve, no matter their race or ethnic background.

La Casa de Don Pedro commits to demonstrate that Black Lives Matter.  We stand for justice for those who have been the ultimate victims of racism and police brutality in this country like Dontre Hamilton, Eric Garner, John Crawford III, Michael Brown, Jr., Ezell Ford, Dante Parker, Tanisha Anderson, Akai Gurley, Tamir Rice, Rumain Brisbon, Jerame Reid, Tony Robinson, Phillip White, Eric Harris, Walter Scott, Freddie Gray, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd. We stand committed to educate, support and empower black and brown Newarkers because we want to make sure that everyone has access to opportunity and true justice, no matter their racial circumstance.

Advocate with us by speaking out to the New Jersey Supreme Court and demand that it upholds the appellate court decision to establish the Civilian Complaint Police Review Board. Call 609-815-2955 to make your voices heard.

Raymond Ocasio                                                       Arcelio Aponte
Executive Director                                                     Board President

Photo Credit: Bridget Brown

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