“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”  – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The National Civil Rights Museum mourns another tragedy in the death of Tyre Nichols. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family fighting for justice in his killing. A killing while in police custody.  A traffic stop that resulted in his death.

We call for justice for Tyre Nichols. We call for continued immediacy in gathering the facts and evidence in Tyre Nichols’ death. We call for criminal accountability of the police officers who ended his life.

We applaud Police Chief Cerelyn Davis for taking “immediate and appropriate action” in firing the five officers accused in the killing. We encourage Chief Davis to determine the best approach to assess past actions and history of all individual police officers for demeanor that may contribute to future deadly excessive force.

The death of Tyre Nichols is a civil rights issue. As it should be, the case is now both a criminal and civil rights investigation.

Our hearts remain heavy that another Black life has tragically ended.  As a community, we cannot remain silent.  We must seek justice for Tyre Nichols.  For him.  For his family.  And for all who call Memphis home.

As part of our mission to educate and serve as a catalyst for positive social change, the National Civil Rights Museum stands ready to be part of finding viable solutions to the threats to human and civil rights as our community mourns and attempts to heal.