401 years of oppression led us to this moment
Eric Robertson
Eric Robertson has 20 years of experience in the fields of community development and economic development. He is president of the nonprofit organizations Community LIFT (Leveraging Investments For Transformation) and River City Capital Investment.
Local nonprofit leaders who signed a call to action wanted to go beyond solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. 'Like the protesters in the streets, we knew this moment called for us to not only speak out on the policing of Blacks but to the condition of our Black communities as well.'
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More than 100 nonprofits say city is ‘set up’ for oppression
The open letter issued Monday calls for police reforms and anti-poverty initiatives. It also accuses Memphis Police of an "egregious" response to peaceful protest in the city. The black-led coalition includes a diverse group of many of the city's nonprofits, from community development corporations to arts groups to housing initiative leaders as well as social justice groups.
Long-term problems drive protests, nonprofit leader says
On The Daily Memphian Politics Podcast, Sarah Lockridge-Steckel talked about the frustrations that prompted local nonprofits to issue a call for action.
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