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[ [link removed] ]WE NEED JUSTICE FOR JAYLAND WALKER
Content warning: police terrorism/brutality
We're heartbroken, John. As people across the country celebrated the July
4 holiday, another community was torn apart by police violence.
Akron, Ohio, is still grieving the loss of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old
Black man murdered by police.
Here’s what we know:
On June 27, police stopped Jayland Walker for an alleged “traffic and
equipment violation.” Within minutes, eight Akron Police Department
officers shot at Jayland more than 90 times, and he suffered 60 gunshot
wounds. Then the same officers who killed Jayland handcuffed his lifeless
body.^1
The bodycam footage police released over Independence Day weekend reveals
eight cops killed a Black man while five more police officers stood by and
watched. The eight police officers who shot Jayland are now on paid
administrative leave.^2
[ [link removed] ]This is unacceptable, and we won't stop fighting until what happened to
Jayland Walker in Akron never happens again, anywhere. John,
add your name to tell Akron elected officials: Take action NOW to end
police violence and protect Black lives.
John, our hearts break for Jayland’s family and the Akron
community. Jayland was a young man with a family and a bright future. He
was a human who deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. Instead,
Akron police murdered him. And now, the same police force is violently
tear-gassing and arresting protesters who are simply demanding justice and
an end to police terror in their neighborhoods.
That’s why we’re standing with The Freedom BLOC^3 to demand Akron’s
elected officials:
* Protect protesters: Immediately end the use of tear gas, pepper spray,
and rubber bullets against protesters.
* Stop arresting protesters and free those who have been
detained: Immediately release all protesters from jail, drop any
charges against protesters, expunge their records and remove all fines
and fees.
* Create and fund an unarmed traffic enforcement unit for routine
traffic stops.
* Invest in community-led public safety solutions. Invest in what keeps
Black communities safe, including reparations, housing, public
transportation, food security, health care and community-controlled
public safety alternatives.
[ [link removed] ]DEMAND accountability
IN AKRON now
This moment also requires us to recognize a painful truth: The police
murder of Jayland Walker is not an anomaly. We’ve been here before,
John.
* In South Carolina, police stopped Walter Scott for a non-functioning
brake light.^4
* In Michigan, police stopped Patrick Lyoya for improper vehicle
registration.^5
* Just outside Minneapolis, where police murdered George Floyd, a
Brooklyn Center police officer pulled Daunte Wright over for minor
traffic violations and an air freshener hanging from his rearview
mirror.^6
Police murdered all of these Black men during routine traffic stops. In a
country where armed, militarized police are the response to every alleged
infraction, incident and crisis — and Black people are viewed as threats,
not human beings — Black people aren’t issued tickets or citations. We
receive death sentences.
Now, as Jayland’s family and neighbors take to the street to demand
justice, the Akron Police Department has initiated a terror campaign
against protesters and journalists. From tear gas and rubber bullets to
false imprisonment, Akron police have waged war against people demanding
justice for Jayland. Bianca Austin, the aunt of Breonna Taylor, and Jacob
Blake Sr., the father of Jacob Blake, were violently arrested at protests
in Akron last week.^7
Police terrorism continues to target Black and Indigenous communities. And
when people stand up to protest police brutality, police spray them with
teargas and beat them with batons.
This is who the police are, and dehumanizing and terrorizing Black people
is what they do. The murder of Jayland Walker and the violent police
response in Akron are just the latest cruel examples of what happens when
elected officials prioritize policing over investments that actually keep
communities safe.
[ [link removed] ]It shouldn't be this way — and John, it doesn't have to be.
We can demand better from elected officials, and hold them accountable for
the needs of our communities. Add your name now to demand action and
accountability in Akron:
DEMAND accountability
IN AKRON now
John, we know the road to real accountability is long, so we'll
keep you updated as this case develops.
Thank you, as always, for standing with us to demand and build a safer,
more equitable world for Black people — in your community and across the
country.
Until justice is real,
Color Of Change’s Criminal Justice & Democracy Team
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References:
1. [ [link removed] ]Why did Ohio officers handcuff Jayland Walker after shooting him
dozens of times? CNN, 10 July 2022.
2. [ [link removed] ]What we know about the fatal police shooting of Jayland Walker. CNN,
5 July 2022.
3. [ [link removed] ]The Freedom BLOC
4. [ [link removed] ]Walter Scott shooting: Michael Slager, ex-officer, sentenced to 20
years in prison. NBC News, 9 December 2017.
5. [ [link removed] ]Grand Rapids officer charged with second-degree murder in shooting
of Patrick Lyoya, prosecutor says. CNN, 10 June 2022.
6. [ [link removed] ]Death of Daunte Wright. Associated Press, 25 June 2022.
7. [ [link removed] ]Breonna Taylor’s Aunt Arrested, Warrant Issued For Jacob Blake’s
Father After Jayland Walker Shooting Protest. BET, 9 July 2022.
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[ [link removed] ]Color Of Change is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black
folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Please
help keep our movement strong.
[ [link removed] ]Make a Donation
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