(Columbia, SC) — The NAACP Columbia SC Branch has issued an official statement following the not guilty verdict in the Rick Chow case, a decision that has sparked grief, frustration, and renewed concern across the Columbia and Richland County community.
The statement acknowledges the pain carried by the family of Cyrus Carmack-Belton and calls on the community to remain committed to justice, equity, accountability, and human dignity.
The full statement from the NAACP Columbia SC Branch is published below:
Statement from the NAACP Columbia SC Branch
The NAACP Columbia SC Branch extends its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of Cyrus Carmack-Belton. No verdict can erase the pain of losing a son, a family member, and a young life filled with promise and potential.
As a community, we recognize that the conclusion of a trial does not necessarily bring healing. For many throughout Columbia, Richland County, and South Carolina, the not guilty verdict in the Rick Chow case has generated feelings of disappointment, frustration, sadness, and concern. The impact of this verdict reaches far beyond the courtroom and will be felt by many who continue to question whether our justice system consistently delivers equal justice for all.
At the center of this case is the tragic loss of a young life. The death of Cyrus Carmack-Belton has left a lasting impact on his family, his friends, and our community. We acknowledge the grief that remains and the difficult emotions that have resurfaced as a result of this verdict.
The NAACP Columbia SC Branch respects the judicial process and the role of the jury. At the same time, we recognize that many members of our community are struggling to reconcile the outcome with their own understanding of justice and accountability. Those concerns deserve to be heard, and those feelings should not be dismissed.
Today, many are asking a question that has echoed throughout generations of struggle for civil and human rights: What is the value of a Black life?
The answer is clear. A Black life has value beyond measure. A Black life is worthy of dignity, respect, opportunity, protection, and justice. A Black life should never be viewed as less important, less deserving, or less worthy of compassion than any other life. The value of a Black life is not determined by a verdict, a headline, a neighborhood, or a circumstance. The value of a Black life is inherent, God-given, and equal.
When any life is lost, we grieve. When a young Black life is lost, we must also reflect on our collective responsibility to build communities and systems that affirm the worth, humanity, and potential of every person. The pursuit of justice is not about division; it is about ensuring that every life is valued and every family is treated with dignity.
This moment should not divide us. Rather, it should challenge us to continue working toward a society where every life is valued, every family is respected, and every person receives equal protection under the law.
As we move forward, we encourage our community to remain engaged, informed, and committed to positive action. We must continue to Educate, Engage, Encourage, Empower, and Early Vote. We must remain prayerful, purposeful, and persistent. We must continue to advocate for fairness, accountability, transparency, and equal justice.
To the Belton family, please know that your community continues to hold you in our thoughts and prayers. We honor the memory of Cyrus Carmack-Belton and acknowledge the profound loss you continue to carry.
The verdict has been rendered, but our commitment to justice, equity, and human dignity continues. The work is not finished. It is ours to do.
It ain’t over yet.
NAACP Columbia SC Branch.
