As human beings, as UUs, as neighbors of Uticans who fled from violence in Myanmar, many of us are reeling from the death of 13 year old Nyah Mway. A police-involved killing of anyone, but especially of a child, demands much from us all. 

Please read messages from the Karen Organization of America (KOA) and the NAACP Oneida-Utica Chapter President Freddie Hamilton (and ongoing updates) at Justice for Nyah.

If you would like to support the family directly, go to GoFundMe Page for the family of Nyah Mway. Please be aware there is Counseling available through Utica City School District throughout the summer. 

Please consider:

• How can we support better resources for children in all our neighborhoods- specific requests included in Justice for Nyah, the Karen Organization of America letter. 
• Is there more we can do to get guns (including very realistic toy guns) off the streets?
• Think carefully about whether and when it is wise to call for police intervention if there are more culturally aware and less potentially lethal options. 
• We also have to ask ourselves what other kinds of training, support, and connection can be offered to the Utica Police. 

I am grateful that the trustworthy NY State office of the Attorney General will investigate. I am glad to be able to trust the civilians seated on The Utica Civilian Public Safety Advisory Board and know they will genuinely hear community responses and deliver recommendations. 

Together in faith for a safer and more caring community, Rev Karen