The new report revealed that at least 28 percent of those killed were African Americans, who make up just 13 percent of the U.S. population. Although this figure is staggering, the Center for American Progress (CAP) noted that it is almost certainly under-represents the actual number of civilians who died while in the custody of the criminal justice system.
Racism is America’s original sin. Racism that built this nation using the free labor of enslaved Africans. Racism embedded in our original Constitution, claiming that my Black ancestors held only 3/5 of value compared to a white person. Racism that led to racial segregation and discriminatory laws in education, housing and employment. Racism that created a system of law enforcement designed to disproportionately incarcerate Black Americans. For over 400 years, America has used racism to build a wall around Black Americans. This wall has kept Black Americans excluded from opportunities to learn, to work and to vote.
As our fellow Californians and Americans protest across our country, we must not lose sight of why they are protesting. It’s because of a deep pain that we recognize all too well. The pain of not confronting a dark history that has spanned the life of our country. The pain of recognizing our fathers, uncles, brothers, mothers, sisters, and aunts in the faces of so many Black men and women who were taken from us because of racism and violence.
Two days after activists protested yelling “fire Pantaleo” at a Democratic debate in Detroit with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio standing on stage, a New York administrative judge ruled that Pantaleo should be fired. Pressure from activists and media attention put Eric Garner’s death at the forefront of discussions on police brutality and misconduct.
Louisiana’s attorney general ruled out criminal charges Tuesday against two white Baton Rouge police officers in the fatal shooting of a black man outside a convenience store.
After nearly three months, only the cell phone videos filmed by spectators have been released
the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) held a news conference calling for Attorney General Loretta Lynch to investigate, indict and even prosecute law enforcement officers, who intentionally kill innocent and unarmed Blacks.
Whether it was a gathering of 300 in front of the Triple S convenience store, small groups of 50 meeting at area churches, nearly 400 at city hall, dozens painting signs at LSU, or a thousand marching through downtown, Baton Rouge residents and visitors are protesting the death of 37-year-old Alton Sterling, who was shot by Baton Rouge police officers on July 5.
The women of the WNBA had been unapologetically outspoken about the tragic deaths of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, and the five Dallas Police officers. They desired justice for the victims, despite the lack of support received by the League.
In the past two weeks, Black America has been in an uproar about the recent killing of 37-year-old Alton Sterling who was tackled to the ground and shot several times by two white Baton Rouge police officers and 32-year-old Philando Castile who was shot and killed by a Minnesota officer while reaching for his wallet to show his identification.
Saturday, #BlackMoneyMattersLA activists collaborated with OneUnited Bank to convey the importance of the black dollar and how to re-direct our purchasing power back to African-American businesses and communities. Sponsored by OneUnited Bank at its Crenshaw branch, the event brought together black families, advocates, clergy leaders and celebrities to bring attention to the matter as a direct response to the recent shooting deaths of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and many others. Comedian G-Thang hosted the outside venue, coating the hearts of those impacted by the myriad of tragedies against blacks with some lighthearted banter. The awareness also included a powerhouse performance by the incomparable Miki Howard, who brought the house down with crowd favorites. Meanwhile, countless community members flooded the inside of the bank
The discussion seemed to focus an inordinate amount on what black people can do to eschew being targeted by law enforcement
The recent shooting deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and five Dallas, TX police officers have affected several members of the sports world.
Questions remain in the air and unanswered as many search for legitimate reasons that may justify the senseless murders of Black Men in America
Obama said the violence has left all deeply wounded and hurt