For Immediate Release March 28, 2023

Contact [email protected]

In response to the heartbreaking murder of Samyia Spain, who was fatally stabbed in Park Slope, Brooklyn, we, alongside the families and community affected, mourn the senseless loss of life and stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and all those touched by this tragedy. 

Emily May, President and Co-founder of Right To Be, issued the following statement: “This moment calls upon us to unite in a collective rejection of violence and the ideologies of hate that fuel such acts. Right To Be envisions a world where every individual lives free from violence and is treated with dignity and respect. The killing of Samyia Spain is a stark reminder of the urgency of this mission and why, now more than ever, our city must invest in community resources that affirm a future where violence is replaced with peace and humanity. 

“In this moment of grief, we need leaders to commit to action, to support one another, and to nurture a world where love and respect triumph over hate. Our thoughts, support, and resolve are with the affected families as we walk this path of healing and transformation together.”

Right To Be offers free live virtual trainings for bystander intervention, including two upcoming trainings available and open to the public called Stand Up Against Street Harassment. Registration is available here for March 28, 2024 and here for April 2, 2024. We also collect stories of harassment online, in the media, or in your personal life on Right To Be’s Hate and Hope Tracker to shed light on how hate is happening. 

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Right To Be is a people-powered movement working to build a world free of harassment and filled with humanity. We are a team of educators, motivators, and facilitators who are listening, guiding, and cheering you on. Every day, we train hundreds of people to respond to, intervene in, and heal from harassment. We hold space for people experiencing harassment to share their stories for affirmation and support. And we prepare new leaders to create workplaces, schools, and communities around the world that are filled with humanity. For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.righttobe.org. Follow Right To Be on Twitter and Facebook at @righttobeorg.