John, I was 16 years old when Trayvon Martin was murdered. I tuned in to the televised hearings and watched the constant news coverage. I argued in my classrooms and online with my predominantly white community for the value of this boy's life. And I felt angry and hopeless when his murderer was acquitted about a year later.
In the eight years that have passed, we've witnessed similar failures in our system to find justice for people that look like Trayvon Martin. People that look like me. Black Americans and allies have taken to the streets and cried out demanding justice for Mike Brown, Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, and so many more that died under the hand of law enforcement. But there is something different about the protests taking place across the country right now. I feel it -- and I'm sure you feel it too.
We're in a critical moment in our nation's path towards racial justice and equality. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black people would be here today if not for police brutality, racial injustice, and systemic inequality.
My anger is still present, but my hopelessness has dissipated into the drive to make a difference. The actions that people like you and me take in moments like these speak volumes about the change we can bring about, so I hope you'll read on about the actions you can take today.
Here’s how you can use your voice to raise awareness in your community:
Sign and share these petitions:
- We need to reform our criminal justice system and police force so that they protect and serve every American. Sign this Color of Change petition to ask public officials to adopt police reforms.
- Demand justice for Breonna Taylor, a Black woman in Louisville, KY, who was shot and killed when officers entered her home without a warrant. The officers have not suffered any consequences yet, so please sign this Color of Change petition to demand Louisville's mayor fire these officers.
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Demand the protection of protestors by adding your name to this petition from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
Don't forget to share these petitions once you've signed them, John! It's important to build a groundswell of support in this movement.
Spread the message on your social media:
The #BlackLivesMatter movement was founded following the acquittal of Trayvon Martin's murderer. Today, it's a global organization with tools and resources to build power and protect Black communities. Find #BlackLivesMatter graphics here to show your support for the movement, and find other toolkits and resources on their website right here.
Make sure you and your networks are registered to vote:
The fight for justice doesn't end at the ballot box -- but your vote makes a difference, John. Mayors, county executives, sheriffs, and many other local officeholders that have the strongest impact on criminal justice reform are on the ballot this November. While the DNC fights in the courts to make sure every vote is secured and counted, make sure you, your family, and your friends are registered to vote ahead of Election Day. Check your registration status, request your mail-in-ballot, and find your polling place at IWillVote.com.
Find more ways to get involved on our website:
The DNC team has compiled a number of ways to increase your involvement. Check it out for more petitions, contact information for public officials, and legislation you can support to make a difference.
John, you can make a difference in your very own community -- even while social distancing. Talk to your friends and family about race. Listen when Black, Indigenous, and other people of color share their stories with you. Call out racism and injustice wherever you see it. Progress and change doesn't happen in leaps and bounds, but slowly, with people like you and me.
Thank you for taking the time to listen today,
Chioma
Chioma Iheoma
Email Strategist
Democratic National Committee
