News feed
Beyoncé has written a powerful open letter in response to the recent shootings of two black men, 37-year-old Alton Sterling and 32-year-old Philando Castile, in which she urges all Americans “no matter your race, gender or sexual orientation” to take a stand against police brutality.
“We are sick and tired of the killings of young men and women in our communities” begins the all-caps letter, before continuing:
“IT IS UP TO US TO TAKE A STAND AND DEMAND THAT THEY ‘STOP KILLING US'”
‘FREEDOM’ – which shares a name with her stirring Lemonade cut with Kendrick Lamar – directly addresses the shootings of Sterling and Castile, both of whom were shot and killed this week. Sterling was murdered at point blank range in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, while being pinned down on his back by two police officers; Castile was shot and killed while reaching for his wallet during a traffic stop – his girlfriend’s four-year-old daughter was in the back seat.
“We all have the power to channel our anger and frustration into action,” writes Beyoncé. “We must use our voices to contact the politicians and legislators in our districts and demand social and judicial changes.”
Her post, which you can read in full below, then provides links for Americans to contact their local congressperson and to voice protest for both Sterling and Castile.
During her Formation world tour show in Glasgow today, Beyoncé also paused for a moment of silence in honour of the victims of police shootings, their names broadcast at large.
Beyonce just paused her Glasgow show for a moment of silence, displaying victims of police brutality #AltonSterling pic.twitter.com/REajdvlmUf
— Will (@TheAussieSide) July 7, 2016
Credit: Beyoncé.com
Tile and cover image: Beyoncé.com
