May 25, 2020, marked four years since a Minneapolis police officer killed?George Floyd?as he lay handcuffed and face down on the pavement, pleading that he couldn't breathe.  

In response to that tragedy, leaders from all walks of life came together to form Unite KC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to racial harmony and justice through activities that bring about heart change and unity. 

If there is no burning bush, the crowd quickly dissipates. Although convictions have been handed down in cases of violence against Black people since the murder of George Floyd, police brutality against Blacks in the US remains a societal problem. Although legislation was passed after his murder, it will require a heart change for us to see a reduction in violence.  We cannot legislate morality; we can only punish illegal behavior. I am certain loved ones would rather have their family members alive. 

I cannot imagine the grief the family is experiencing, especially knowing that their loved one was calling the police for help. 

Since Floyd's death, there have been other high-profile cases of police officers killing Black people: Amir Locke in Minnesota, Patrick Lyoya in Michigan, and Jayland Walker in Ohio, to name a few. Protests have taken place after many of those killings, but police violence against Blacks still happens to this day. (Supporting Link) 

It’s important that we DO NOT look at this as a Republican or Democratic issue but as one of good v. evil. 

Our organization felt it necessary to comment on the death of Sonya Massey. After reviewing the video, the Illinois State Police found Grayson (the police officer) was not justified in his use of deadly force. A detailed description of the body cam footage can be found here.  

It is clear that our work is not done. We must all fight apathy, fatigue, and the tendency to disengage from our mission to reach the hearts of all people and act with mercy and justice.