There are so many ways to participate in the fight for justice and make it clear that #BlackLivesMatter. On top of protesting, caring for those taking part in the protests, donating, signing petitions, and more, we also need to #SayTheirNames, especially when it comes to those whose names are often buried.
All of these women were the victims of police brutality and the unjust police system. They must never be forgotten.
Breonna Taylor was an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic and a loving presence within her family and her community. On March 13th, police officers illegally raided her home in the middle of the night. She was shot eight times and died—and the actual suspect of the case had already been arrested before this raid.
Justice for Breonna Taylor Stand with Breonna
#JusticeforBre: Police officers who killed Breonna Taylor must be FIRED
Sandra Bland was arrested in 2015 for a traffic stop. The officer who arrested her was caught on camera physically assaulting her, and she died in her cell days later. Her case must be reopened.
Atatiana Jefferson was a pre-med graduate who was shot in her own home in October while caring for her nephew. He was only eight years old at the time. The police officer involved has not yet been brought to justice.
Regis Korchinski-Paquet was 29 years old when she fell to her death. Police reports ruled her case as a suicide, but eyewitnesses allege she was pushed by the officer sent to “observe her”. The community is pushing for further investigation of her death and for justice.
Pamela Turner was 44 years old when she was gunned down by a police officer during an attempted arrest, leaving behind two children and three grandchildren—one had just been born. The officer was not charged, only put on paid administrative leave.
Destiny Harrison was killed at the hair salon she owned in front of her one-year-old daughter late last year. She had previously begged the police for protection, but ultimately, they failed her. Please consider supporting her family through donations.
The unjust murder of George Floyd is not the first instance of police brutality and people of the black community being unjustly targeted, nor will it be the last. But there is no doubt that this instance has once again opened the eyes of many to the reality of the corrupt police system. We are fighting for justice and change.
Please also, of course, sign these larger petitions and donate to Black Lives Matter directly. Make your voice heard.
#JusticeforFloyd: Demand the officers who killed George Floyd be charged with murder
The Minneapolis Police Officers to be charged for murder after killing an innocent black man
Featured Image by Steve Snodgrass on Flickr
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
