NAACP, the nation’s foremost civil rights organization, released the following statement in response to the conviction of James Alex Fields Jr., who was charged with the killing of Heather Heyer, in 2017’s Charlottesville protests.
“The conviction of James Alex Fields Jr. in the killing Heather Heyer during the violent protest in Charlottesville, Virginia last year is an indication that hate will not stand in this country. The blatant disregard for life that this person showed cannot be tolerated. It’s hard to believe that in this day and age, we are still plagued by such violence and race-based hatred.
We must help to bridge what divides Americans rather than widen the gap between us. The NAACP will continue to be steadfast and immovable in the fight against discrimination, prejudice and hatred, and always stand against hate and any persons who threatens the moral right of our community.”