Content Warning: This email discusses a recent high-profile case of police violence and murder, as well as mental illness.
John,
Walter Wallace Jr. We say his name.
Like so many of us, Walter was battling with mental health issues. Nobody should be murdered for being sick.
He needed help.
In a clear mental health crisis, he needed help. But instead of help, Walter got bullets. Countless bullets penetrating his skin. And yet again, the world saw the brutal depiction of a modern day lynching that is the legality of murder by police.
After constantly pleading with officers to not shoot, Walter's mother watched her son murdered by the people she had hoped would de-escalate the situation.
This isn't policing -- it's destruction. It's the legal, systematic killing of Black people. Another video, another name, another person who deserved help, not death.
Black lives are not controversial. Legislation to protect Black lives is not controversial. When we show up to the polls, they cannot ignore us. When we say Black Lives Matter, they cannot ignore us, no matter how hard they try.
Today, we are praying for Walter Wallace Jr.'s mother and family. We are praying for the countless families that have endured this.
We won't let Walter down. We won't let our other brothers and sisters that have been senselessly taken from us by police down.
We bow our heads to pray, and we raise our fists up high because Black Lives Matter, today and every day.
In love and solidarity,
Patrisse Cullors
Black Lives Matter Global Network