LOS ANGELES, CA - A report released today by the National African-American Coalition of People documents increasing oppression by Hispanics, according to the coalition. The report is based on a recent study by the University of California at
Santa Clara that analyzed the relationship between crime and poverty. The NAACP's report claims that the study highlights alarming disparities along racial lines.
The report notes that while a growing number of Hispanics have reached prominent roles in government, businesses and police, income levels and crime rates among African-Americans remains unchanged. "It's clear that a growing number if Hispanics
are engaging in oppressive practices formerly exclusive to whites." said Isaiah Herman, Executive Director of the Coalition. "It's troubling that despite the fact that a large number of whites are being displaced from positions of power, African-Americans
are still being left behind."
An independent study performed by The Daily Redundancy seems to confirm the coalition's fears. In the last 12 years, the number of Hispanic police officers has increased by 21%. In the same period, the number of African-Americans arrested by Hispanic
officers has also increased by 21%. During the same timeframe, the number of Hispanic businesses has increased by 27%, while unemployment among African-Americans remained the same.
Hispanic leaders deny that African-Americans are being denied jobs and targeted for arrests. "While these statistics are certainly disconcerting, rest assured that [African-Americans being denied jobs and targeted for arrests] is not our policy."
said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, at a press conference with councilmen Richard Alarcón, José Huizar, and Tony Cardenas. "I think we're living proof of that."
Meanwhile, the NAACP plans to increase pressure on the Hispanic community. "Racism is racism, no matter which race is being racist." said Herman. "We here at the Coalition have a long, proud history of achieving justice and equality. And we'll take on any
race that perpetrates the continuing injustice and inequality."
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