NEW YORK (June 13, 2016) -- As the nation mourns the deadliest mass shooting in American history, the National Urban League today called for a national movement to reject intolerance and hate.
“While we do not know whether the shooter in Orlando was motivated by religious hatred, bigotry against the LGBT community or something else, this shocking act of violence was a result of hatred in his heart,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “We must do more to promote tolerance and unity, and not be defined by our differences in religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or identity.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, but they need more than prayers,” Morial said. “We will continue to we work to put an end to hatred-driven violence, but in the meantime, the injured need our immediate help.”
Morial echoed the Central Florida Urban League’s plea for blood donors to aid the injured and replenish dwindling supplies. While blood donation centers in the Orlando area were overwhelmed in the hours after the attack, the need for donations is ongoing.
“We can’t allow the spirit of urgency to fade in the days ahead,” Morial said. “Neither with regard to blood donation or putting an end to senseless firearm violence.”
Morial also extended gratitude to the first responders who risked their own safety to save the hostages being held inside the nightclub.
“Central Florida is a strong community, with leaders like Central Florida Urban League President and CEO Glenton Gilzean, Jr., who are bringing people together and promoting unity,” Morial said.
The Central Florida Urban League distributed the following list of blood donor centers and bloodmobile locations:
- Orlando West Michigan Donor Center, 345 W Michigan Street, Ste. 106, Orlando, FL 32806
- Orlando Main Donor Center, 8669 Commodity Circle, Orlando, FL 32819
- Oviedo Donor Center, 1954 W. State Road 426, Oviedo, FL 32765
- Asbury United Methodist Church
- Bloodmobile 220, West Horatio Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751 - St. Luke's United Methodist Church
- Bloodmobile, 4851 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819
- Metro Church – Bloodmobile, 1491 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, FL 32708
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Teresa Candori
212-558-5362 | tcandori@nul.org
