P O S I T I O N S T A T E M E N T
March 1, 2022
Louisville Urban League’s Statement on the U.S. Attorney Investigation Into Quintez Brown
Like so many, we were devastated to learn of the shooting that occurred at the campaign headquarters of Mayoral candidate, Craig Greenberg. We can’t imagine the fear felt by those present or how much stress remains. We have reached out to the campaign and sent our support, along with our thoughts and prayers. As the victims of this horrific incident, they are entitled to our support and some measure of peace and healing.
We hold space in our hearts for every person involved and a community left shocked and saddened by the news. There must be room to acknowledge and honor the pain of the victims while also embracing the pain of a family bearing the burden of a son undone by his mind’s betrayal of him.
While we had nothing to do with his release, it is our understanding that since exiting corrections on bail, Quintez Brown has been on home incarceration and is now hospitalized and receiving much-needed mental health treatment. We know the judicial process must run its course, but we hope and pray the system will be fair to a young man that seems to have had some sort of mental health crisis that began as early as June of 2021.
Unfortunately, we know that the system is rarely fair. For people of color, for those struggling with mental illness, and those of meager means or connections, the judicial apparatus can be a cruel, unrelenting, and unthinking hammer that views everyone before it as a nail. At the same time, it is a system that applies a completely different standard to the wealthy, well-connected, and those in particular political and professional positions. In fact, we are not two years removed from the Office of the U.S. Attorney deciding not to intervene in the case of Breonna Taylor, and yet we understand that a grand jury is being convened by the same office to seek federal charges against Quintez Brown.
A decision to seek federal charges against Quintez Brown could be disastrous, as a federal indictment would mean detention without bail and the termination of mental health treatment. This does not seem fair or just. There are many cases in which the federal government waits on the local process to play out before weighing in. This case should be no different. Mr. Brown needs to be able to continue with the treatment he needs.
We know that fairness is not a hallmark of the system, but for now, this is the system we have. And while we fight to remake it more equitably, we must also appeal to its deepest foundations and fervently request that the system and those who control it live up to the full definition of its name–Justice. As hard as it may be for some to understand, the appropriate handling of this case is best for all involved. And along the way, we should note all of the flaws in the system that our government has allowed us to stand.
Please know that it is not now, nor has it ever been, our desire to dismiss the anguish of Mr. Greenburg, his family, or colleagues; we simply want to ensure that mental health evaluations and appropriate treatment are afforded to the young man tying us all together in this tragedy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
[email protected] | (502) 512-3681
About the Louisville Urban League
The Louisville Urban League assists African Americans and those at the margins in attaining social and economic equality and stability through direct services and advocacy. For more information, go to lul.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@louisvilleUL), or Instagram (@louisville_ul).
