The Asian American Advocacy Fund affirms that Cop City should never be built
STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2023
Early this morning, after over 15 hours of public testimony with hundreds of people testifying against Cop City and hundreds more outside the council chambers, the Atlanta City Council blatantly ignored the will of the people and passed a measure to allocate over $67 million in public funds to build Cop City with a 11-4 vote. Among the hundreds of individuals who testified beginning yesterday and into the early morning, only four people testified in favor of the measure. Atlanta does NOT want Cop City.
We are deeply disappointed by the decision to approve Cop City. Atlanta City Council members and Mayor Andre Dickens have made it abundantly clear that their decision-making is at the will of corporate lobbyists and a militarized police force, placing value in capitalism over the communities who elected them. Last night’s City Council meeting highlighted what everyday political suppression looks like. The City Council banned water from being brought inside, there was no elevator access, and people stood in line for 15+ hours. These deliberate actions specifically targeted disabled community members. Additionally, an arbitrary capacity cap was placed on those allowed inside City Hall, while hundreds more community members waited outside all night. Those waiting outside were prevented from lending their voices to this so-called democratic process, being turned away both from entering City Hall, and from sending in written testimony.
The actions of these elected officials is a disgrace to Atlanta’s legacy, the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. The active suppression and complete disregard for community input is an affront to democracy. Furthermore, the continued attacks on Stop Cop City organizers is an attack on our freedoms to protest and practice free speech. Despite all the barriers, hundreds of people showed up both inside and outside the council chambers demanding democracy. The people have made their voices loud and clear – Cop City will have dire impacts on Black & Brown communities in Atlanta. Above all else, yesterday showed the strength of community in Atlanta and their unwavering resilience in the face of corporate-bought politicians who refuse to represent them.
We affirm that Cop City will never be built. We must reimagine public safety to focus on community-based solutions, mutual aid, and funding vital public services that support the health and wellbeing of our people. Atlanta elected officials have failed to represent those they are elected to serve, but the people will never give up. The fight is not over.
The Asian American Advocacy Fund is a grassroots 501(c)4 social welfare organization dedicated to building a politically-conscious, engaged, and progressive Asian American base in Georgia.
To learn more about AAAF, visit https://www.asianamericanadvocacyfund.org/