The African American Council of Churches (AACC) is calling on faith leaders, community advocates and Madison residents to attend a demonstration Saturday in response to the July 22 police-involved shooting death of Corey Ruiz, a 38-year-old Black man and Madison community member.
The event, titled “Standing Together for Justice and Human Dignity,” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Wisconsin State Capitol. It follows the clearing of the Williamson Street memorial encampment earlier this week, which the AACC says has contributed to rising tensions in the city.
The council is calling for transparency, systemic accountability and changes to law enforcement oversight, including department-wide implementation of police body cameras. It is also calling for increased investment in public health, housing and mental health infrastructure.
Rev. Dr. Marcus Allen, president of the AACC, said the community is demanding accountability while also seeking to bridge divides in the city.
“Our city is hurting, our neighborhoods are grieving, and our community is demanding meaningful accountability,” Allen said. “As a community, we must lift our collective voices not only to demand full systemic justice for Corey Ruiz and his loved ones, but to also bridge the divides threatening our city.”
The AACC said it stands with Ruiz’s family in calling for an independent investigation into the shooting.
Faith leaders from the AACC, community organizers, civil rights advocates and other participating organizations will be available for brief comments and interviews at 7 p.m., ahead of the program.
The African American Council of Churches is a coalition of faith-based institutions focused on spiritual growth, civic engagement, social justice and community empowerment in Madison and Dane County.
