Press releases

SFAF condemns the continued murder of and violence against Black people by police

In response to the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright by police, San Francisco AIDS Foundation leadership speak out against police violence targeting Black Americans.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 13, 2021In response to the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright by police, San Francisco AIDS Foundation condemns the continued violence against and murder of Black people in our country by police. 

On Monday April 12, 2021, Daunte Wright, an unarmed 20-year old Black man, was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis by police. The shooting took place less than 10 miles from the courtroom where Derek Chauvin is being tried for the murder of George Floyd. Also on April 12, video footage was released showing the harrowing experience of Lieutenant Caron Nazario, who is Black and Latino, being pepper sprayed and having guns drawn on him at a traffic stop last winter. 

“We are outraged and horrified every time we see and hear about the terrifying and oftentimes fatal experiences that Black people have at the hands of police,” said Russell Roybal, Chief Advancement Officer. “At this time of great sadness, we stand with the Black community in grief, mourning, and anger. These killings must stop.” 

A total of 241 Black civilians in the U.S. were fatally shot by police in 2020, according to a report by Statista Research Department. So far in 2021, 30 Black Americans have been fatally shot by police. The rate of fatal police shootings among Black Americans is much higher than that for any other race. 

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About San Francisco AIDS Foundation

San Francisco AIDS Foundation promotes health, wellness, and social justice for communities most impacted by HIV, through sexual health and substance use services, advocacy, and community partnerships. Founded in 1982, SFAF envisions a future where health justice is achieved for all people living with or at risk for HIV, ultimately striving for a day when race is not a barrier to health and wellness, substance use is not stigmatized, HIV status does not determine quality of life, and HIV transmission is eliminated. Each year more than 25,000 people rely on SFAF programs and services and millions more find advocacy tools and information they need online at sfaf.org.