Berkshires DSA was represented tonight in a meeting and call with community leaders and activists in the city of Pittsfield (Habitat Humanity, NAACP, ACLUM, Williams College, Pittsfield Public School Sytem, Senator Hind's office to name a few) along with Miguel's mother, sister and extended family.

As the investigation begins into what happened the moments leading up to Miguel's murder by the Pittsfield Police Department, we all know, this was 100% not necessary and this is just another invevitable tragedy that comes from the U.S. police system that spends money on "eliminating the threat" instead of training to make officers and collaborative social workers and healthcare workers more effective in response to mental health crises and safe/supportive to people of color.

Invest in Pittsfield is coordinating current discussions with the family and community leaders on how we organize going forward to really effect change in our community, starting with the Pittsfield Police Department. More details to these events, actions and organizing will be ongoing and announced following this week.

For now, in the very short term, Miguel's family needs money to fund the wake, burial, etc. Please consider giving what you can to Miguel's family here.

The wake details are tentatively scheduled for this Friday, April 1, 3-7PM at the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home, 40 Maplewood and that will be open to the public.

Solemnly,

Co-Chair, Berkshires DSA