In the past 5 years, 1252 black people have been shot and killed by police.

The victims of these senseless killings were located in all parts of the country, were of all ages, and were only appearing "suspicious." Children were simply playing in the park and on the street; some were sleeping in their beds. Adults were walking in their neighborhood; some were shopping for the next week.

Meanwhile, the cops that committed these senseless crimes were given the minimum punishments. Some were only suspended from their job and then allowed back. Some were fired. Some were fined, and some were sentenced to the least amount of jail-time.

Does the killing of an innocent human equal probation time?

Do the deaths of innocent people equal a fine?

Think about it.

Say their names.

George Floyd.

Breonna Taylor.

Eric Reason.

Christopher McCorvey.

Botham Jean.

Atatiana Jefferson.

Philando Castile.

Trayvon Martin

These were just eight of the thousands of victims of police brutality. Will we allow this violence to continue, or will we do something to fight it?

"A riot is the voice of the unheard"-Martin Luther King Jr.

Since the beginning of these ruthless murders, the black community and other allies have attempted to fight police brutality through peaceful protests.

We have protested peacefully since the murder of Trayvon Murder. Since then, black lives are still being taken far too early, and cops are still getting away with a slap on a wrist. What must be done for the minority's cries to be heard through the cotton muffling the ears of the American government?

The black community has been oppressed for too long. The black community has been murdered one by one for too long. The black community's voice has been silenced for too long.

The murder of George Floyd was merely the beginning of the end.

Should we continue to sit back and let the people who are supposed to protect us kill black people out of "self-defense" or out of "suspicion?" Should we continue to sit-in for half-assed changes to the law?

The answer is no. The opportunity for peaceful protest has passed us by. No one listened then. Why would they listen now? No, now is the time to make the country hear the cries and anger of the black community. Don't give them the choice. It is time for the country to change.

We need to raise hell.