DST’s Response to the Murder of Tyre Nichols

This photo provided by the Nichols family shows Tyre Nichols, who had a passion for photography and was described by friends as joyful and lovable. Nichols was fatally beaten by police during a traffic stop in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 7, 2023. (Courtesy of the Nichols family via AP, File)

It hurts to start off Black History Month with a statement about the January murder of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers. The recently-released footage of the beating is terrible to watch. The loss of Tyre’s life is senseless and heartbreaking. No traffic stop should end in brutal execution. 

This is not a moment for us to stay silent, and we want to make it abundantly clear that Downtown Streets Team absolutely condemns this egregious act of violence. The work that we do is inextricably linked with racial justice, and we can’t do what we do without acknowledging the systemic racism that exists in our country. As people committed to helping unhoused neighbors, we are keenly aware of the ways that systems of power unfairly oppress communities of color. Tyre’s murder at the hands of law enforcement is an extreme reminder of this fact.

If you want to help Tyre’s family, you can donate to the Nichols’ family’s GoFundMe, which will help pay for Tyre’s funeral service, mental health services for the family, and a memorial skate park. The GoFundMe page contains moving words by Tyre’s mother that are worth quoting here in full:

Tyre Nichols was loved by his community and was known to be gentle, kind, and joyful. He loved skating and was originally from the Bay Area in California. He was known as someone “you know when he comes through the door he wants to give you a hug” and that “he wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

He had never been in trouble with the law, not even a parking ticket. He was an honest man, a wonderful son, and kind to everyone. He was quirky and true to himself, and his loss will be felt nationally.

- Jim Rettew,

Interim CEO