ATLANTA – State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) applaud the recent verdicts that found three men guilty of committing federal hate crimes in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. These state legislators issued the following statements regarding the guilty verdicts:
“We know that, ‘weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,’” said Rep. Scott. “Today, Ms. Wanda Cooper-Jones felt unspeakable joy. We are proud that 100 percent justice was done today.”
“On the second anniversary of his death, we are blessed to celebrate Ahmaud’s legacy,” said Rep. Davis. “This day is especially significant after the federal jury convicted three white men of committing a hate crime when they murdered Ahmad for running in his neighborhood as a young Black man. We are calling on the prayer warriors to pray without ceasing for his family and for healing in our community.”
“From this day forward, Ahmaud Marquez Arbery’s life and legacy will be recognized through Georgia and beyond,” said Rep. Schofield. “We will never allow the hate filled actions of others to go unanswered and without justice.”
During a reception at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights this morning, Rep. Scott presented House Resolution 688 to the Arbery family, a privileged resolution which allows the House to celebrate Ahmaud Arbery Day today, Feb. 23, 2022, in Georgia. This privileged resolution also honors the life and memory of Ahmaud Arbery Day and extends condolences to his family. HR 688 also highlights that Ahmaud’s death led to the overhaul of Georgia’s citizen’s arrest statute and the enactment of a new state hate crimes law.
Reps. Scott, Schofield and Davis hope that this verdict will spur Georgians and people across the nation to recognize the value of a Black man’s life, as well as the strength and resilience of a Black family.
For more information on HR 688, please click here.
*Editor’s Note: A photo of Rep. Scott presenting her privileged resolution to Wanda Cooper-Jones is attached.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She was first elected to the House Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Science and Technology and Special Rules committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves on the Health & Human Services, Interstate Cooperation, Information and Audits and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Natural Resources & Environment, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation and Science and Technology committees.
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