LAS VEGAS — The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada launched a new storytelling project Friday that aims to share Black Lives Matter protesters’ stories with policymakers throughout Nevada.
Thousands of Nevadans have participated in demonstrations over the past week to call for an end to racist policing and police violence following the horrific death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
And over the past week, ACLU of Nevada staff members have heard anecdotes about rubber bullets, pepper balls, tear gas, and other aggressive police tactics. The new project aims to collect protesters’ accounts of police interactions and to share those stories with the policymakers who can work toward the changes being called for by this movement.
ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Tod Story said:
“We mourn the loss of George Floyd, and every Black person lost because of racist policing tactics and policies. Police have no trouble telling their side of a story because they have access to the media and regularly participate in public hearings. This effort we’re launching to support Nevadans who are pushing for change and saying ‘Black Lives Matter’ and need their voices heard. It’s time to address the issues at the heart of these protests and share the accounts of those involved.”
Nevadans who want to participate can send their stories, along with any photos or videos they took and want to share, to [email protected]. Stories may be published digitally and in a report. The ACLU of Nevada will follow up individually before sharing anyone’s stories.
