Krystal L. Green

Single At 40

Depression

Do You Know The Signs?

Living With Diabetes

Silverlady's Road Of Discovery

Beat Breast Cancer

Reduce Your Risk

Natural Beauty

Tips for Traveling

May 13, 2015

A Movement Grows: Black Lives Matter-Stop Killing Us


There is a national organized movement designed to foster the position that “Black Lives Matter”. The goal of the movement is simply stated “Stop Killing Us”. Many people believe that police violence against the Black Community is a figment of our imagination. But, a review of the significant data supports the position that a change is necessary and change must come now.

If you examine the facts, here are some significant indicators of the problem:

·         Last year 2014, 1149 people were killed by the police in the United States. At least 304 Black people (26%) are included in that number.

·         More than 100 unarmed Black people were killed by police in 2014. 40% of all unarmed victims of police were Black.

·         There is a 4 times higher chance of being killed by police for a Black person compared to a white person.

·         In March 2015, 36 Black people were killed by police (one every 21 hours). 47% were unarmed.
In April 2015, 31 Black people were killed by police (one every 23 hours). 42% were unarmed.

·         ZERO police officers were convicted of a crime for killing a Black person while on duty in 2014.

 

Unfortunately, some people, Black and white, seem to believe that “this is just the way it is”. Data also shows them to be wrong. People around the world are watching, calling for America to do the right thing. Even though there are more Black people in Missouri than in Canada, only one Black person nationwide was killed by police in 2014. It seems to matter where you live. Black people are 5 times more likely to be killed by police in St. Louis than in New York City and 10 times more likely to be killed by police in Oklahoma than Virginia.


Protestors across the country are demanding change including police accountability for use of deadly force, ending racial profiling, review of systemic abuse by some local police departments, and protection for the right to protest. In addition, protestors are calling for a representative police force and the appointment of a special prosecutor for all deadly force cases.

A better understanding of the problem of police violence in our communities helps everyone see the need for change. The data helps us realize that the situation must be addressed if progress is to be achieved. Again, the goals are simple: “Black Lives Matter”-“Stop Killing Us”. America-Do the right thing.
Sources:

Share

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More