[link removed] [[link removed]] Today marks 11 years since the man who brutally murdered 17–year–old Trayvon Martin was acquitted.

In response, thousands mobilized in protest, calling for an overdue end to racial violence. Black Lives Matter was born.

Black Lives Matter is a call and movement to intervene and end violence carried out on Black communities by law enforcement or hate groups.

It is both an affirmation of the incredible value of Black people and our contributions to society and a call to end racist attacks and violence.

Time and time we have been confronted with the horrific images of unarmed Black Americans being murdered by police.

Michael Brown.
Alfred Olango.
Breonna Taylor.

And in 2020 as the nation, and the world, sheltered in place to combat the deadliest pandemic the world had seen in a generation, homes across America watched as another plague — the plague of white supremacy — reared its head once more with the murder of George Floyd.

9 minutes and 29 seconds of fear.
Of hatred.
Of proof that the Black Lives Matter movement is as necessary as ever.

Since 2020, cities nationwide have developed civilian–led police accountability systems such as the Commission on Police Practices right here in San Diego.

But this work isn’t over.

Our County still has the highest jail death rate in California; Black San Diegans are arrested at 3 times the rate of their white counterparts, and Black folks and other people of color are overrepresented in our jails.

Criminalized, brutalized by our systems, and underserved — we are still subjecting Black communities to multiple forms of systemic violence to this day.

To rebuild trust, equity, and accountability in our County’s systems, we must address crime more holistically and end all racial disparities once and for all.

We say it because we have to. Our history has never valued Black lives, so we must affirm that Black lives do indeed matter as we continue this work, together .

In solidarity and reflection,
Monica



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Born and raised in San Diego, Monica Montgomery Steppe is an HBCU graduate, and an attorney by trade. Monica believes in her heart that the neighborhoods and community members are vibrant and worthy of care and investment.To learn more about Monica and the work she's doing for District Four, click here [[link removed]]

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Paid for by: Montgomery Steppe for Supervisor 2023
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3295 Meade Ave, #212, San Diego CA 92116