By Dillon Sharpe, Emancipate NC Attorney
On November 10, 2025, Emancipate NC attorneys Dawn Blagrove and Dillon Sharpe traveled to Greensboro to stand in solidarity with Alisia Ray, Quinten Thomas, and Nathaniel Williams—three individuals who were violently arrested and charged by two separate law enforcement agencies in recent months.
The visit included a public press conference aimed at uniting the community, raising awareness about ongoing injustices, and demanding accountability and transparency from law enforcement. Newly elected Greensboro City Councilman Irving Allen joined Emancipate NC Executive Director Dawn Blagrove in speaking out in support of Ms. Ray, Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Williams, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change.
Ms. Ray, a student at UNC Greensboro, and her boyfriend, Mr. Thomas, were aggressively arrested by UNCG Police. At no point during the encounter did either pose a threat to officers. Nonetheless, both were verbally and physically mistreated by law enforcement officials who are sworn to protect the UNCG community and ensure the safety of students and visitors. Their arrests were unprovoked, unjustified, and emblematic of broader patterns of abuse.
Mr. Williams’ arrest by the Greensboro Police Department reflects similar and deeply troubling conduct. He was sitting alone in a parked vehicle, speaking on the phone, when GPD officers approached him—without any reported suspicion of criminal activity. Body-worn camera footage shows officers breaking his vehicle windows, forcibly removing him, and striking him repeatedly. Mr. Williams was then arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of Felony Assault on a Police Officer Inflicting Physical Injury, Resisting a Public Officer, Felony Destroying Evidence, and Possession of Marijuana, among others.
The violent arrest of Mr. Williams highlights the inherent dangers of so-called “proactive” policing—where officers initiate encounters absent any call for service or evidence of wrongdoing. These tactics are disproportionately deployed in areas labeled as “high-crime,” a term often used to justify the over-policing of low-income communities and Black and Brown neighborhoods.
In moments like these, vigilance and collective action are essential. We must continue to document and record police encounters when it is safe to do so, remain informed, and organize alongside people and organizations committed to defending our communities and fighting for justice. Emancipate NC will continue to stand with those harmed by police violence and to demand accountability at every level.