As our nation cries out for racial justice that is long overdue, we must remember that this is about more than one city or police department or policy or politician, team — the change we need to see requires demanding accountability from leaders everywhere, at every level of government.

Movement for Black Lives, a grassroots organization that has been doing the work to fight for Black lives and livelihoods on the ground for years, is calling for a drastic change to police power and budgets, and investment in community-centered health and safety solutions and resources that empower Black communities.

Will you sign our petition to support Movement For Black Lives’ demands? Tell leaders in our cities, states, and federal government to commit to the transformative changes Black communities deserve.

Along with Movement for Black lives, we are demanding:

• An end to the war against Black people.
• Divestment from the police and investment in Black communities.
• For local schools, colleges, universities, and all public institutions to cut ties with the police.
• Repair for past and continuing harms.
• Immediate relief for our communities.
• Economic justice for all Black people.
• Respect for the lives of protestors.
• Community control of laws, institutions, and policies.

I’ve seen racism and cruelty from police officers who have acted violently against members of my community. I’ve been dehumanized by a police officer, calling me a “zoo animal.” This wasn’t the result of a few “bad apples” but a symptom of a system rooted in racism that prioritizes internal power over empowering communities.

It is well past time to dismantle racist institutions and invest in solutions that put the needs of the people closest to the pain first. Sign on to our petition to tell our leaders in our cities, states, and federal government to commit to the transformative changes Black communities deserve.

In radical solidarity,

Ilhan Omar