Stop Killing Us
In America, policing has almost become synonymous with Black death. The March 21 killing of Dexter Reed, 26, in Chicago is yet another horrific example of the ways in which Black bodies are violently and fatally endangered when they come in contact with law enforcement. They can’t keep killing us. The excessive use of force must stop!
While the news reports suggest that this is an ongoing and unfolding investigation, what is clear is that the unleashing of 96 bullets into a single car, aimed at a single Black body has its roots in deep and long-lasting disregard for Black bodies in America and in Chicago. They can’t keep killing us. The excessive use of force must stop!
The unleashing of the full might of law enforcement on one human being, invites us to ask serious and profound questions: Why is it that Black people in this country cannot encounter police and live? Why is it that Black bodies in Chicago are not allowed the courtesy of due process? Why are there disproportionate race disparities in who survives encounters with police and efforts to deescalate violence?
While it is the case that over the last few years, Chicago has seen meaningful strides in the direction of holding our police force accountable, the killing of Dexter Reed is a reminder that we have so much farther to go in the creation of a city where Black bodies are held with deep respect and regard by law enforcement.
We cannot stand idly by while law enforcement in this city use massive and unwarranted force in their contact with Black people in this city. They can’t keep killing us and we call for accountability.
The killing of Dexter Reed is an atrocity of the highest order. As people of faith and goodwill, we call on Superintendent Larry Snelling, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Civilian Office of Accountability (COPA), and the Chicago Police Department to do an expansive and unrelenting investigation that tells the full story and removes all officers, supervisors, and officials who are complicit in Reed’s execution, and/or cover-up, and misinformation of facts. We also call on transparent conversations about how this Police Department will surveil and curtail its use of excessive force in relationship to Black, Brown, and Indigenous people of our Beloved city.
Members of the staff of Community Renewal Society attended a vigil and press event on April 9, calling for justice for Dexter Reed and actionable repair to the trauma caused, breach in public trust, and loss of life. The gathering demonstrated a strong community solidarity, but left us heartbroken for Reed’s family and loved ones. We extend deep sympathy for all who mourn Reed's tragic loss.
We did not know Dexter Reed personally. But we know far too many who have lost their lives to a culture of violence that includes police brutality and excessive use of force. Far too many citizens live with a deep and profound fear that any encounter with police officers could lead to a brutal and untimely death. We must honor the sanctity of every human life. Dexter Reed deserved to live.
CRS invites you to join us in our work on ending police brutality and affirming human dignity for all of God’s people.
Keron Blair Manager for Organizing and Policy
Rev. Dr. Waltrina N. Middleton Executive Director
Take Action & Resources
Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA)
Attend the upcoming CCPSA Meeting on April 25
Donate to Community Renewal Society
Check out our list of traffic stop resources in partnership with the ACLU of Illinois