Mother of Amadou Diallo calls for 'racial healing'

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - NYPD officer Kenneth Boss, one of the four officers who shot unarmed man Amadou Diallo 41 times in 1999, was promoted to sergeant on Thursday.

Diallo, a West African immigrant, was reaching for his wallet in a dark, Bronx apartment building's vestibule when he was shot.

Boss fired five of the shots at Diallo, 22, in the high-profile case.

All four officers were acquitted of murder and other charges.

“This was one of the most obvious cases of police brutality," the Rev. Al Sharpton told the NY Daily News.

A protest was reportedly planned by Sharpton Thursday outside 1 Police Plaza over Boss' promotion.

Following the promotion ceremony, the family of Diallo called for leadership to be balanced and for peace and racial healing.

"I have two reactions. From the point of view of a mother, I realize that someone who killed an innocent victim should not be allowed to carry a gun again. As the president of the Amadou Diallo Foundation, and who is strongly advocating for police and community relations, I think I have more work to do. I lend my voice across the nation to bring the two worlds together," said Kadiatou Diallo.

To further the organization's efforts and to keep the memory of her son alive, Kadiatou Diallo is inviting all New Yorkers to a gala fundraiser.

The dinner will take place on Feb. 24, 2016 at the Alhambra Ballroom in The Bronx. 

For more details including ticket information, visit: AMADOUDIALLO.ORG