Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Chris Rock Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, and Tracee Ellis Ross, along with 23 of the biggest names in show business were brought together on a video released in remembrance of victims of police shootings, on Wednesday, July 13. The tribute, which was produced by .MIC Network, quickly spread through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media outlets, urging Congress to pass legislation that will impact "radical transformation" to reverse the plight of under-served people of color in America. Viewers were urged to sign a petition to pressure law makers into action.
The vido, "23 Ways You Could Be Killed If You Are Black In America," starts off transitioning from its black and blue letters to black and white flashes of the 23 celebrities, as each states a different instance in which a Black civilian was innocently executed by police. "Failing to signal a lane change," Alicia Keys begins, referencing the infraction that lead to Sandra Bland being found dead in a Texas jail cell. "Running to the bathroom in your own apartment," [Chris Rock/ Ramarley Graham], "Missing a front license plate," [Chris Rock/ Samuel Dubose], "Calling for help after an accident," [A$AP Rocky/ Renisha McBride], and the list goes on, showing a photo of each victim as the circumstance of their death is announced by a celebrity.
The petition names education, health care, housing, employment, and nutrition to be among the institutions and areas of focus towards which a proposed $150 billion ought to be allocated in poor communities over the coming decade. In light of the recent tragedies involving Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge and Philando Castile in Minnesota, it also calls for an overhaul of the U.S. criminal justice system.
Source: youtube.com
