MLBC speaks out against racial animus against Black students

Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove (MHDC)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Chair Ashley Bland Manlove, D-Kansas City, released the following statement to condemn racist incidents against Black students across Missouri.

“Since the beginning of the month, we have seen several racist incidents against Black students across the state of Missouri. On February 1, Harris-Stowe State University was one of several historically black colleges and universities across the country targeted with bomb threats. On February 9, a virtual panel on Black-owned businesses hosted by Rockhurst University was hacked and invaded by people yelling racial slurs and obscenities and displaying child porn. In the past, we have seen Black students at Missouri colleges and universities face racial abuse from cotton balls being scattered at Mizzou’s Black Culture Center to nooses on campuses.

“The MLBC fully condemns these racist incidents against Black Missouri students who have become the target of hatemongers and bigots during Black History Month. We must rise above those who would attack our community and culture amidst a month of celebration and reflection, and work to end the enduring discrimination Black students across the state continue to face.”