As a nation, we have become desensitized to the murders of innocent black men and women at the hands of police officers. Police brutality has become the norm. Last week, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile were killed within 24 hours of each other by police officers. Videos were captured of both of these black men dying – graphic videos of these men being slaughtered by law enforcement, the very people we should be able to rely on to keep us safe. Their deaths were shared on social media and news outlets throughout the day. When I heard about these tragedies, my first thought as a non-black American was, “Not again.” It wasn’t, “How could this happen?” or “Why did this happen?”
“Not again.”
We know why this is happening. These shootings are not just coincidences. This is the pervasive presence of racism and white supremacy in both law enforcement and our society as a whole. It is a conversation that the entirety of our country, over and over again, does not want to have. However, the victimization of an entire community warrants our full and undivided support and attention because this is not just an issue in the black community, it is an American issue.
Police officers cannot continue to kill innocent black people. It is disgusting that we as a society have allowed this to happen. We cannot let this continue. Murders need to be treated as such, regardless of their station. A police badge cannot justify the loss of an innocent black life. This is a systemic issue in the law enforcement system that needs to be fixed. Body cameras are not enough. There needs to be accountability and transparency from law enforcement. Police cannot be exempt from the law. They need to be tried and judged impartially just as any other criminal would. If there are no consequences for these killings, they will not stop. We need justice.
Police are sworn to protect our communities. Police should not be the enemy. We need to work with law enforcement to ensure that these senseless shootings will end. However, without reformation and accountability of the officers perpetuating these deaths, how can we be expected to trust them with any lives, let alone black lives?
At times like these, we need to stand together as a nation in solidarity. We need to stand up for America's core values, our unalienable rights: "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Because Black Lives Matter, and they deserve much more respect than we, as a society, are giving them.
I urge all of you reading this to speak out and support the black community in every way during these terrible times. Do not stay silent about this. We are being desensitized to see this violence as commonplace, and we cannot continue to be bystanders to gross injustice. Black lives are at stake.
The black community has consistently rallied behind these victims. However, the non-black community needs rally together to support them as well. Other tragedies such as the Dallas shooting of police officers during a peaceful protest – killing 5 officers and injuring 7 officers – are being used to undermine the the Black Lives Matter movement and police brutality. One tragedy does not disregard countless others. We do not need to pick and choose which to support. The loss of any life is tragic. However, the recent deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile represent the larger issue of police brutality against the black community across decades.
It is also very important that the non-black community (myself included) do not speak over the black community but instead support, reach out and aid in whatever way we can to help dismantle the injustice of the system. And remember, it is not All Lives Matter. It is Black Lives Matter. This is not up for debate. All lives are important, yes, but while black lives are being taken by the police, while these injustices continue: Black Lives Matter.
This is uniquely an American issue that we must strike down for a better and safer future for the black community.
Click here to learn more about how white people can help the movement.
