African American Mayors Association on the Burning of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church  

On behalf of the 500 African American mayors across the country, Mayor Sly James of Kansas City, MO, and President of the African American Mayors Association, released the following statement in response to yesterday’s tragic burning of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, MS:

“The African American Mayors Association is paying close attention to this alarming incident,” said Mayor Sly James, President of the African American Mayors Association. “Our hearts and minds are with the community of Greenville, Mississippi, as we struggle to comprehend this hateful act towards an institution that represents such strong faith, love and forgiveness. The blatant disrespect of this century-old house of peace and worship is contradictory to all things for which this sanctuary, and this country, stands.  In these tumultuous times, let us continue to stand strong in solidarity against efforts to divide us.”