Over the past 24 hours two black men, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, were shot to death by police officers. It's a sad and disgusting realization that the people employed to protect American citizens are killing them without restraint.
Both Alton Sterling and Philando Castile were carrying guns but neither made an attempt to use their weapon. While only Castile had a concealed carry permit, neither man resisted arrest and both made no threats toward the police officers in either situation. In cases like these the facts often get distorted. Luckily, there is video evidence of Alton Sterling's shooting, and Philando Castile's girlfriend livestreamed his death.
We're not here to talk about justice, or how with clear evidence of wrongdoing that both of these police officers should be tried and convicted of murder. That's not what this is about. Not anymore. To quote Killer Mike, this is about how "Our rights are being violated by people we pay daily. This must end, or every American has failed."
While it's true that #AllLivesMatter, let me assure you, all lives can't matter until #BlackLivesMatter to American police officers. This year, there has been 561 deaths at the hands of United States police officers. Of those deaths 136 were black people. That's nearly a quarter, which is a disportionate amount considering African Americans make up just 13.3% of the total American population. These "justifiable homicides" are not often followed up with any sort of persecution for the officer at fault.
Who do we call when the murderer wears a badge? We call upon each other. Make your voice heard. Don't let the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile go unnoticed. This isn't just an issue for the black people of America, this is an issue for everyone. Reject these rogue police officers and stand for our rights as human beings. Support the victims. Follow the example of LovetheLocksYouRock, Jaz Jackson, and Chris Lappakko by making as much noise as you can.