John,

If we’re being honest, these emails are the hardest to write. And we realize they aren’t easy to read. But you’ve taken action with us before, and we need your help again. It’s been 4 weeks since the Akron Police Department ruthlessly murdered Jayland Walker, a 25-year old Black man.

Color Of Change is still demanding accountability in Akron, and we need your help, John. Add your name NOW to send a letter to elected officials to protect Black lives and demand #JusticeforJaylandWalker.

Here’s what we know:

On June 27, Walker was stopped by police for an alleged “traffic and equipment violation.” After a brief chase, police opened fire.

Bodycam footage reveals eight Akron cops fired more than 90 shots at him, while five more police officers did nothing.

Jayland suffered 46 gunshot wounds. The 8 officers who murdered him are STILL on paid administrative leave.

Now, as Walker’s family and neighbors demand justice, the Akron Police Department has initiated a terror campaign against protestors.

DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY IN AKRON NOW

We’re grieving with the city of Akron. For the last month, the Akron Police Department has subjected Jayland’s family and supporters to violent suppression tactics. Using tear gas and rubber bullets to false imprisonment, Akron police have waged war against people demanding justice. Bianca Austin, the aunt of Breonna Taylor, and Jacob Blake Sr., the father of Jacob Blake, were both violently arrested.

Color Of Change is standing with Freedom BLOC, an Ohio grassroots organization, to demand accountability from Akron’s elected officials:

Protect protesters: Release all protesters from jail, drop any charges against protesters, expunge their records and remove all fines and fees. Immediately end police use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets to break up demonstrations.
Create and fund an unarmed enforcement unit for routine traffic stops.
Invest in community-led public safety solutions. Fund what keeps Black communities safe; reparations, housing, public transportation, food security, health care and community-controlled public safety alternatives.

John, thank you for taking action, as always, and for standing with us to demand and build a safer, more equitable world for Black people — in Akron and across the country.

We are heartbroken for Jayland Walker’s family. He was a young man with a bright future. He was a human being who deserved to be treated with respect and dignity. Instead, Akron police gunned him down in the street. In a country where armed, militarized police are the response to every crisis — and Black people are viewed as threats — we aren’t issued tickets or citations; we get death sentences.

It shouldn't be this way — and it doesn't have to be. We can demand better from elected officials, and hold them accountable for police killings as well as our communities' needs. Add your name now to demand action and accountability in Akron.

We’re mad as hell that the police keep killing Black people. As we mourn and turn our anger into action, this moment requires us to recognize a painful truth: This is who the police are, and dehumanizing and terrorizing Black people is what they do. Jayland Walker is not an anomaly. We’ve been here before:

In South Carolina, Walter Scott was stopped by police for a non-functioning brake light.
In Michigan, Patrick Lyoya was stopped for improper vehicle registration.
Just outside Minneapolis, where police murdered George Floyd, Daunte Wright was pulled over for minor traffic violations and an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror.

All of these Black men were gunned down by police during routine traffic stops. That’s why we stop fighting to end police terrorism until what happen to Jayland Walker never happens again. John, send a letter to Akron’s elected officials. Take ACTION now, to protect Black lives.

Until justice is real,

Color Of Change’s Criminal Justice & Democracy Team

References:

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

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

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

4. The Freedom BLOC

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

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

7. Death of Daunte Wright. Associated Press, 25 June 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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