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

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 BLOC³ 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.

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.

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

References:

1. Why did Ohio officers handcuff Jayland Walker after shooting him dozens of times? CNN, 10 July 2022.

2. What we know about the fatal police shooting of Jayland Walker. CNN, 5 July 2022.

3. The Freedom BLOC

4. Walter Scott shooting: Michael Slager, ex-officer, sentenced to 20 years in prison. NBC News, 9 December 2017.

5. Grand Rapids officer charged with second-degree murder in shooting of Patrick Lyoya, prosecutor says. CNN, 10 June 2022.

6. Death of Daunte Wright. Associated Press, 25 June 2022.

7. Breonna Taylor’s Aunt Arrested, Warrant Issued For Jacob Blake’s Father After Jayland Walker Shooting Protest. BET, 9 July 2022.

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.

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