In America over one thousand people are killed by the police every year, and only 1 percent of these cops are indicted. The US population is 12 percent black, yet black lives make up 50 percent of those lost due to police brutality.

Nearly 70 percent of victims did not have a gun or were involved in harmless activities that should not require policing.

Why is it so easy for United States law enforcement to resort to violence? Certainly public safety can be ensured without killing citizens. In my opinion, deadly force should only be administered if there is a serious threat to one’s life and only when prefaced with an explicit verbal warning. Officers should have to face the same consequences for murder as any other American.

As a Taiwanese/Persian American, I cannot speak about the fear and grief experienced by the black community. I cannot imagine what it is like to fear being feared every time I leave the house. I’ll never worry about my dad being shot five times for reaching for his ID at a routine traffic stop. All I can do is empathize, protest, and do my part to support my black brothers and sisters in their fight for justice.

Educate yourself

Many news sources and media outlets have their own biases, and it’s easy for information to be taken out of context. Make sure you double check the accuracy of every article before you post, tweet, or reblog it. Learn not only about current events, but also about the inbuilt structural oppression pervasive in our country. Listen to speeches, follow the news, and look into both sides of the issue.

Get involved in local politics

Vote for politicians, local and national, who are passionate about ending police violence in America. Contact local politicians, and ask if they have a plan to protect your city from police brutality. Ask your city council representative to introduce “Mike Brown's Law,” which would require officers to wear cameras when interacting with citizens. Ask your city’s Chief of Police about their process for disciplining violent officers. Make lawmakers realize the consequences of our country’s racism.

Donate

Donate to Philando Castile’s family, to Alton Sterling’s kids’ college tuition and to organizations that will fight for the Black Lives Matter movement. Sign a petition to help direct government attention to these issues.

Protest

Find your local Black Lives Matter chapter. Get on social media and check for events in your city. The most important thing to remember about protesting is that your attendance must be consistent. We are in a constant fight for justice. Black lives matter every day, not just after specific casualties hit the news.

Record the police

If you witness someone being harassed by the police, film it on your phone. Make it clear to the officer(s) involved that you are aware of the situation and won’t accept instances of violence or intolerance.

Speak up

Don’t be afraid to voice your opinions about controversial issues. Share your own experiences being marginalized as a person of color. Extend your support to others who chose to voice their own experiences and opinions. A post online may seem futile, but it could be powerful enough to inspire one more person to fight for equality in our justice system.

“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.