Glynn County, GA – In May 2020, a group of Georgia-based organizations, organizers, lawyers, and policy advocates convened to discuss ways to support and flank organizers in Southeast Georgia who were responding to the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. The leaked footage of Ahmaud’s death was followed by rapidly increasing visibility, resulting in interest in the case from a number of national actors. It became apparent that this influx had the potential to overwhelm and overshadow the organizing infrastructure of the local community. Led by the Southern Center for Human Rights, Black Voters Matter, Working Families Party, New Georgia Project, and the Georgia NAACP, the JUSTGeorgia Coalition formed as a mechanism to move local and statewide demands, advise national organizations, and strengthen social movements both in Southeast Georgia and throughout the state.

This is a critical moment in history as we collectively pursue justice in an unjust system. In light of today’s verdict the JUSTGeorgia Coalition has released the following statement:

We pause to take a collective breath with the loved ones of Ahmaud Arbery in the wake of the convictions of Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William “Roddy” Bryan. This tragedy captured the world’s attention only because of the courageous and persistent efforts of Mr. Arbery’s family and the local Brunswick community. JUSTGeorgia remains committed to supporting the family and community #BeyondTheVerdict to ensure that Ahmaud’s legacy is true transformative change in the Brunswick community, across Georgia, and throughout this country.

JustGeorgia

JustGeorgia a collective of Georgia organizations, activists, faith leaders, attorneys and justice-seeking community members that was founded after the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. Led by NAACP Georgia and the Southern Center for Human rights, the JustGeorgia Coalition formed as a mechanism to move local and statewide demands, direct national organizations, and strengthen social movements in Southeast Georgia and throughout the state. The goal of the coalition is to have its’ contributions better equip Georgians to respond to the multiple systemic ills inflicting violence on our communities on a daily basis.

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