January 30, 2023 - Campus Statement Regarding Video of Tyre Nichols’ Murder
Dear NHCC Community,
On Friday evening, we again became witnesses to the brutal murder of a Black man by police officers. This time in Memphis, Tennessee. Tyre Nichols was 29 years old. He was a loving son and father, a UPS employee, and an expert skateboarder, who took joy in watching and photographing sunsets.
We grieve Mr. Nichols’ death with his mother, family, and friends. We grieve a culture of violence in our country that seems impossible to change. For those among us who are Black, Indigenous, Latinx, or Asian-American grief over Tyre Nichols’ murder is compounded by one more reminder that they can never relax their vigilance for the safety of their children, elders, or themselves. We grieve that the need for such constant vigilance robs people of their physical and mental well-being.
The killing of unarmed Black people in America must come to an end. Our strength as a unified community must be seen in actionable changes, changes that halt the senseless loss of lives, and changes that make evident that Black lives do matter in our society. We are reminded again that truth, racial healing, and transformation is an ongoing need in our nation. It will continue to be our ongoing commitment as a college as we uphold human values, justice, and Black lives.
While grief and hopelessness can easily prevail, let us take strength from our campus community’s resolve to change a culture of hate and violence by building Solidarity to uplift, heal and empower for radical inclusion, as we experienced at Wednesday’s event honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The ongoing violence and dehumanizing reality must be confronted and changed.
We call for justice and accountability. Be an agent for change and join our Racial Healing Action Collaborative cohort, more details to come.
In Solidarity
While the victims, their families, and communities are in our thoughts and prayers, each of us must consider the actions we will take to fight for peace and justice in our communities. Please take care of yourself by using the support services provided for both students and employees, if needed. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Share community resources with others.
- Connect students with NHCC Counseling Services.
- Learn more about NHCC in Solidarity and how you can get involved.
- Access the Employee Assistance Program for personal support 24/7.
For now, we ask that you please take care of your well-being and, as you are able, the well-being of the students, faculty, and staff with whom you learn and work with.
Sincerely,