Beyoncé is not backing down. Despite police protests following her public and performances and statements that have been deemed anti-law enforcement, today she's released a clear, concise statement demanding an end to the extrajudicial killings of people of color across the country.
The superstar made sure not to indict police explicitly, but she did mention the names of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.
She also encouraged her fans to reach out to politicians to push for "social and judicial changes."
We are sick and tired of the killings of young men and women in our communities.
It is up to us to take a stand and demand they "stop killing us."
We don't need sympathy. We need everyone to respect our lives.
We're going to stand up as a community and fight against anyone who believes that murder or any violent action by those are sworn to protect us should consistently go unpunished.
These robberies of lives make us feel helpless and hopeless but we have to believe that we are fighting for the rights of the next generation, for the next young men and women who believe in good.
This is a human fight. No matter your race, gender or sexual orientation. This is a fight for anyone who feels marginalized, who is struggling for freedom and human rights.
This is not a plea toward police officers but toward any human being who fails to value life. The war on people of color and all minorities needs to be over.
Fear is not an excuse. Hate will not win.
We all have the power to channel our frustration and anger into action. We must use our voices to contact the politicians and legislators in our districts and demand social and judicial changes.
While we pray for the families of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, we will also pray for an end to this plague of injustice in our communities.
Click in to contact the politicians and legislators in your area. Your voice will be heard.
-Beyoncé.
