For too long the Black community has lived in an oppressive system of state sanctioned violence that has never ended, only changed forms. There is empirical evidence that illustrates the fact that Black Americans are over policed, charged with crimes at a higher rate, and subsequently receive disproportionate sentences in the penal system. There are methods our elected officials can enact to change this system.

“We have not come this far to only come this far” were the words spoken by Executive Director Angela Lang at a press conference about this bill package the last week of May. That quote shows the need to continue to fight for equity and justice for Black and Brown communities.

One of the main roles of government is to keep its citizens safe, these bills do not drive this pursuit forward. We all deserve thriving communities and we need those in the legislature to do their job and adequately address the murder of Black Americans. “No government service should oppress or murder its constituents and we must intervene when it does”. State Representative David Bowen