Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL) would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. George “Perry” Floyd, as well as to those in the Houston and surrounding communities and elsewhere who have been affected by the unnecessary, violent, and senseless killing of Mr. Floyd. The death of Mr. Floyd has hit close to home as he was one of our very own, a Houstonian. We hope all those responsible for Mr. Floyd’s death will be held accountable for their actions. Racism, discrimination, and targeting of the Black community must not be tolerated any longer.
Systemic racism has been sown into the fabric of our country for centuries. More progress is needed to close the gaps of racially charged injustices. The unnecessary deaths of Mr. Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Botham Jean, Natasha McKenna, Philando Castille, Dominique White, Atatiana Jefferson, and many more Black men, women, and children highlight the need for change. The injustice goes far beyond their killings but permeates almost every facet of American life.
From its inception, HVL has worked to ensure access to the courts and legal resources for the disenfranchised. In collaboration with volunteer attorneys, HVL offers free civil legal services to our community. We are committed to reducing disparities and injustices in Greater Houston.
While HVL is currently engaging in constructive dialogue, we recognize and understand that there is more to be done to address systemic racism. A change must be made.
HVL is working consistently to be a part of that change, by not only providing free legal aid, but also being a resource and an agent of change to encourage other attorneys in our community to do the same. Together we can help make justice happen.
Sincerely,
Houston Volunteer Lawyers
