NLNA Statement on Monday night in Fishtown

June 4, 2020

In the time since we wrote to our community on Sunday to share in mourning and to condemn systemic racism and police brutality, new events have transpired right outside of our neighborhood, along Girard Avenue in Fishtown in front of the 26th Police District station. As Northern Liberties is in this district, we feel it is our duty to speak out against the deeply disturbing events that occurred on Monday night, June 1.

On that night, the 26th District police failed to disperse a group of several dozen men armed with baseball bats, hammers, and other weapons, spouting racist and homophobic rhetoric. The police permitted the group to menace and attack our neighbors and members of the press. We strongly condemn the 26th District’s inaction and condoning of this behavior on Monday. We reject the violence, intimidation, and bigotry that fueled the armed vigilante group. Members of the NLNA board of directors and the Northern Liberties community participated in the demonstrations for justice that took place in Fishtown Tuesday and Wednesday , and we will continue to stand alongside our neighbors who are protesting for much needed change.

We reaffirm our statement from Sunday: we are deeply committed to supporting all our community members, particularly our Black neighbors who are grieving. We will continue to rethink how we can best promote equity and inclusion in Northern Liberties, and take action to promote justice for all of our residents. We are a strong and caring community and together we will heal. The NLNA pledges to continue to foster inclusion, promote safety, and peace.

Claire Adler

President

On Behalf of the NLNA Board of Directors