Back on March 21st, Dexter Reed's life was taken by Chicago police wearing civilian clothing during a traffic stop because of an alleged "seatbelt violation.”
Dexter is yet another beautiful Black soul that's been taken far too soon. Once again, we are reminded that reforming the police will never be the solution. As we've said before...
Police officers do not belong at traffic stops. Period.
In what world does it make sense to stop someone for a traffic violation and approach them with
FOUR guns drawn in civilian clothing? An alleged "seatbelt violation” should not become cause for an execution, yet time and again, Black people are disproportionately targeted and subjected to unnecessary force during these encounters. Clearly, this approach is not working.
If it were, Dexter would still be here with us today. Take a moment to send a pre-written letter to your congressperson and demand they prioritize legislation to remove cops from traffic stops >>
Our call to defund the police includes ending traffic stops for minor traffic violations and removing police from traffic interactions – because, in America, the odds of a Black person safely making it home after being pulled over by police officers feel too close to none.
We demand an immediate end to traffic stops conducted by armed police officers, let alone armed officers in civilian clothing.
Instead, we advocate for a health-first approach, where unarmed, trained community professionals respond to potential traffic incidents. This will not only ensure the safety of all individuals involved but will also help alleviate the fear and trauma experienced by Black communities across the country.
Most importantly, it prevents Black people like Dexter from being murdered at the hands of white supremacist state-sanctioned violence.
This is a bold and strategic demand aimed at tackling white supremacy in public safety – because no traffic incident should be deadly. Demand your representative get to work and get legislation done to remove all police from traffic incidents >>
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter
