News

We at The Andrew Goodman Foundation are appalled by the recent violence that took place at the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville, VA, and around the country at the hands of American extremists. Their actions were nothing more than a cowardly attempt to terrorize our great country into silence, but they failed. Our American democracy will continue to work because We The People will make sure it works, and not just for white Americans, but for all of its citizens.

On June 21, 1964, Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner were kidnapped and murdered by the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi for trying to register African Americans to vote. Today, our country is still fighting the same hateful and racist practices that led to their deaths 53 years ago.

Since the founding of the United States, Americans of all backgrounds have fought to extend its principles to ALL of its citizens. Among other things, the U.S. Constitution guarantees our right to free speech; however, we lose that right when our speech incites violence. Instead, we must uphold our democratic values and resolve differences of opinion with respectful dialogue and public discourse.

Most importantly, our thoughts are with the peaceful protestors affected by these heinous events, especially Heather Heyer who like Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner, lost her life defending our freedom. Her commitment to equality will continue to flourish as we remain vigilant and guard our democracy against fear and intimidation.

About The Andrew Goodman Foundation
Established to continue the legacy of Andrew Goodman, a civil rights worker murdered during Freedom Summer 1964, The Andrew Goodman Foundation partners with America’s colleges and universities through its Vote Everywhere program which provides student leaders with a platform to register and mobilize voters, organize campuses, and collaborate with their peers. To learn more, visit www.andrewgoodman.org.

###