[link removed]

Content warning: this email contains references to police violence. This is an incredibly trying time for many. If you need to close out of this email right now, we understand and our thoughts are with you.


John --

Breonna Taylor. Nina Pop. Ahmaud Arbery. Tony McDade. George Floyd. Manuel Ellis.

They are six of the thousands of black Americans murdered over the last 400 years by white vigilantes and uniformed law enforcement. They are six people whose full humanity needs to be kept at the center of any conversation about ending police brutality and systemic racism. And they are six people whose violent deaths were the consequence of a culture that does not value black lives.

This culture exists across our country, including here in Washington’s 10th Congressional District, where Tacoma police officers killed Manuel Ellis in March. The Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide this week, and horrifying video of the crime emerged several days later.

Manuel Ellis died in handcuffs, while being restrained by officers. And he, like George Floyd, died saying “I can’t breathe.” He was a father of two, and a talented musician.

It goes without saying, but Manuel should still be alive. The officers must be held accountable. They should be fired immediately, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we must go above and beyond to implement anti-racism policy solutions that meet the moment we are in.

It’s time for the South Sound to finally reckon with the violence and inequity caused by systemic racism. The injustices will never stop until we intentionally act to end them. We need to change our systems, we need to change our laws, and we need to change our culture.

One way to help do that today is putting our money where our mouth is. So before this weekend ends, I urge you to join me and make a contribution of any amount to two South Puget Sound organizations engaged in anti-racism work:

- The Tacoma Urban League assists African Americans and other underserved people in the achievement of social equality and economic independence. [link removed]


- YWCA Olympia works on eliminating racism and sexism to advance the social, political, and economic status of all womxn and girls. All YWCA Olympia activities place the leadership and wisdom of Womxn of Color at the center.
www.ywcaofolympia.org/get-involved/donate/

I pledge to continue holding myself and other white people accountable for actively supporting anti-racism work. White silence is violence.

In memory of Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, George Floyd, and Manuel Ellis,

Phil Gardner




Paid for by Phil Gardner for Congress

Phil Gardner served as the District Director for Congressman Rep. Denny Heck in Washington's 10th District. Now, he's running to replace Denny in order to continue fighting for the people of the South Sound and our shared progressive values. If elected, Phil would make history as Washington state’s first openly LGBT Member of Congress.

To support Phil's campaign, donate here. We'd hate to see you go, but if you can unsubscribe: [link removed] here.

Phil Gardner for Congress
P.O. Box 2766
Olympia, WA 98507
United States