PANA’s Statement on the Shooting of Alfred Olango
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Stephen Heverly, 619-886-0926
Refugee Advocacy Organization, PANA’s Statement on the Police Shooting of Unarmed and Disabled Refugee, Alfred Olango in El Cajon, San Diego County, California
The following statement can be attributed to executive director of the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA), Ramla Sahid, a first generation Somali-American and daughter of refugees. PANA lifts up the refugee voices and advocates for the full economic, civic, and social inclusion of refugees in the San Diego County.
“Police violence unfortunately touches many communities in our country, and it has now touched us directly with the shooting of #AlfredOlango, an unarmed member of our community, and a refugee from Uganda.”
“Refugees are here because of they're victims of violence and persecution abroad, and it's critical that our law enforcement respond to this tragedy, supporting our refugee community with compassion and with care.”
“PANA calls on our public safety, elected and community leaders to come together and take bold action in the wake of this ongoing tragedy of violence. Together, we must:
End police violence in our county.
Support our refugee communities with the mental health care they need.
Speak out against xenophobia and racism that is occurring due to the tragedy.”
"On behalf of our members and community, our thoughts and prayers are out to Alfred's grieving family and friends."
Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) is a research, community organizing, and public policy hub dedicated to advancing the full economic and social inclusion of refugees. PANA lifts up refugee voices and builds leadership in communities to increase civic engagement and create an inclusive civil society. PANA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity based in San Diego County.
PANA is here and available to support our refugee community. Please contact us at info@panasd.org or 619-732-6793.