From: Ralph D. Cook, Jr. [rcookjr@handprintgroup.com] Sent: Monday, April 27, 2015 5:39 PM To: Smullian, Andrew Subject: FW: AAMA: Statement on Incident in Baltimore FYI? see below. Ralph D. Cook, Jr. a From: AfricanAmerican MayorsAssociation [mailto:africanamericanmayors@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, April 27, 2015 6:33 PM Subject: AAMA: Statement on Incident in Baltimore African American Mayors Association Statement on Incident in Baltimore Washington, D.C. (April 27, 2015) ? The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) offers its condolences to the family of Freddie Gray, who was killed in a recent police-involved incident in Baltimore. AAMA President, Mayor William A. Bell, Sr. (Birmingham, AL) released the following statement: ? On behalf of the African American Mayors Association, we express our sincere condolences to the family of Freddie Gray. The nation is shocked by recent events in Baltimore that undermine citizen confidence in fair and effective law enforcement. We urge the US Department of Justice and local authorities to provide thorough and transparent updates to the public on the progress of their investigations. We also urge calm among protestors, law enforcement officials, and all community members as we continue to grapple with the difficult issues surrounding local community and police relations.? Mayor Jacqueline Goodall (Forest Heights, MD), AAMA State Chapter Committee Chair and President of Maryland Black Mayors, Inc., added: ?This incident reaffirms the need for the State of Maryland to ensure a transparent and fair investigation process. Twenty days is too long for elected officials and the public to get answers. Our law enforcement officers also need to be afforded the additional training necessary to maintain community trust and adhere to best practices. ? About the African American Mayors Association African American Mayors Association (AMA) is the only organization exclusively representing African-American mayors in the United States. African American Mayors Association exists to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the African American Mayors Association includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management. Media Contact: AAMA@OurMayors.org, 202.670.2018‘Ninn American Mayors Assocation 1301 Pennssivania Ave. NW, Suite $50 20008 Phone: 202) 670-2018 Fax: 20) 6448789 Twiter: @OurMayors Facebook: Facebook com/OurMayars “* REGISTER NOW for the AAMA 2015 Annual Conference! http://aama2015.eventbrite.com **