Baltimore – Congressman Kweisi Mfume issued the following statement:
“Bomb threats just before the January 6th insurrection anniversary, intimidating calls to HBCUs on the heels of President Biden extolling his intention to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court and now at the start of Black History Month menacing messages about explosives at two Baltimore institutions of higher learning. These perpetrators are examples of the perilous path of hate as they try to bully students, faculty, and administrators. This must not be allowed to stand.”
“This third round of bomb threats on Historically Black College and University campuses across the country must be met with a rapid response from federal and state law enforcement agencies. Three places in Maryland where people come to learn, feel safe amongst their peers, and achieve their dreams were distracted by dastardly deeds of cowardice. Bowie State University, Coppin State University and Morgan State University were attacked with calls for violence, which given the context and timing of the calls, really beg the question of the odious motivations of hatred and racism. Not only do we celebrate Black Americans in February, but also remember the hardships so many had to live through to secure civil rights and voting rights.”
“Morgan State University students survived the lunch counter sit-ins at Read’s Pharmacy in late January of 1955 and have endured ever since. The resolve of HBCU students, faculty, and staff to protest segregation then and continue the struggle for equality now will be their continued hallmark. HBCUs have survived external threats. They are resilient institutions that will overcome these obstacles. However, it is up to today’s leaders to demand these hate crimes be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“I will continue to monitor the situation and ask that federal assistance be given to the local authorities to ensure the resources are deployed to apprehend, prosecute, and convict these hate mongers.”
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