The Roanoke Workers’ Assembly co-signs the below statement with the following addition:
Racist intimidation of Black people, especially those that engage in political activism, is an unfortunate hallmark of Southern society. The so called “liberal order” is built upon uncountable examples like this one. Do not see this as an isolated event, see this as one in a long tapestry of violence, criminality, and terrorism. A tapestry that has been laid like a blanket over the South, suffocating all of us.
The Black worker knows all too well that these violent actions are meant to intimidate every Black person. “Don’t run for office, don’t vote, don’t march, don’t fight, don’t resist” is what this action declares. They also know that fight and struggle is the only way to stop this violence from happening.
To the white worker: this blanket suffocates you as much as it does the black worker. Your wages, your conditions, and your very humanity suffocate. By any means necessary, we must lift this blanket off of us.
The Roanoke Workers’ Assembly, in this statement, reiterates point 5 in the Southern Worker’s Assembly’s Worker Power Program:
“5. End racism, sexism, homophobia, and all forms of oppression and discrimination”
This program must be achieved if we are ever going to rid ourselves of this violent terrorism.
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Statement from NRV Indivisible Condemning Racist Attack and Demanding Action
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2026
NRV Indivisible vehemently condemns the recent, despicable act of racist intimidation and harassment that occurred in our community. Dr. Biko Agozino (who recently ran for delegate in the 42d district) and his family were targeted at their home by a group of 8 white young men riding in four 4 different trucks. The young white men parked in front of Dr. Agozino’s home and unleashed a torrent of racial slurs, including the N-word, and threw ice bricks onto the property, blocking his driveway. This hateful assault was accompanied by the blaring of music, specifically Drake’s “Energy,” in a calculated effort to terrorize and intimidate Biko and his family.
The incident has been reported to the Christiansburg police department and they are looking into the incident further, according to Dr. Agozino.
This incident is not merely a case of disorderly conduct; it is a hate crime, and it is both illegal and profoundly immoral. The actions of these individuals represent a direct assault on the safety, dignity, and civil rights of a member of our community. Such behavior is a stark reminder of the persistent and insidious nature of racism, and it has no place in a just and humane society.
NRV Indivisible stands in unwavering solidarity with the victim of this attack. We are a community that believes in the principles of equality, justice, and respect for all. We will not stand idly by while members of our community are subjected to such vile and hateful acts.
We call upon law enforcement to conduct a thorough and swift investigation into this incident and to pursue all available charges under Virginia’s hate crime statutes. The actions described fall squarely within the legal definition of a hate crime under Virginia Code § 52-8.5, which includes criminal acts intended to instill fear or intimidation based on race. Furthermore, Virginia Code § 8.01-42.1 provides for civil action for racial harassment, and § 18.2-57 allows for enhanced penalties for assault and battery motivated by racial animus.
At the federal level, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (18 U.S.C. § 249) and the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3631) provide additional legal avenues to address this type of racially motivated intimidation and interference with housing rights.
We urge our elected officials and community leaders to join us in condemning this act and in reaffirming our collective commitment to combating racism in all its forms. We must send a clear and unequivocal message that hate has no home here.
NRV Indivisible will continue to resist and protest all forms of racism and bigotry. We will work to ensure that our community is a safe and welcoming place for everyone, and we will not rest until justice is served.
In solidarity,
NRV Indivisible
