Black Lives Matter

A Letter to the LPD 6/1/20

I’m writing in response to the countless stories we’ve read nationwide, not just in the last weeks, but over the last years, that have shown footage of black people being hurt or killed simply because of the color of their skin. Some while jogging on the streets. Some while sitting in their own homes. Some while attending church. Unfortunately, some were killed by police officers who continued using force in situations that simple did not require it. Seeing these videos of murder have shaken me to my core.

 

I am not black. But I mourn with the black community for these lives so senselessly lost. I am not black, but I am a mother. I cannot imagine knowing my child could never walk through the streets without raising suspicion, no matter their profession, no matter how well they behave. I am not black, but I hurt for my black friends, good people who face bitter racism every day. I am not black, but I know black lives matter.

 

I was grateful to see your clear message condemning the horrific acts of police brutality resulting in murders like George Floyd, and standing against racism. Thank you. I believe there are many good police officers, men and women who diligently and fairly serve our communities no matter the race, religion, or background. I am grateful for their service and bravery.

 

I also believe that all people have implicit bias – some stronger than others, and when approached with situations in the field, bias can lead to dangerous reactions. I am a white female with white family members. If I’m pulled over, I’m incredibly nervous about getting a small speeding ticket. Never have I been afraid for my life, or worried that I’m being judged for anything other than the information I present.

 

Considering the data, it’s no wonder that a black person might be seriously concerned for their safety or even life when pulled over. Imagine that fear. Not knowing if you can trust the person in uniform to do their job, because too often, they’ve done the opposite. Blacks and Hispanics are more than 50% more likely to experience some sort of non-lethal force, according to a Yale Study. Stanford found that black and Hispanics are stopped more often than whites, and that discrimination typically plays a role. And according to data from the National Vital Statistics System, a person of color is more likely to be killed by police. 

 

As the black community makes up nearly 30% of Lynchburg’s population, and because of these national issues, it’s imperative that our police force is both aware and proactive, and should require evidence-based training on bias and de-escalation. Even more so after the Fifth and Federal protest escalated quickly. I saw that body cams have been required since 2016 which is a great step for accountability, and I hope we can continue to do better as community to ensure that headlines like George Floyd or Michael Brown do not bring pain to the people of our city.

 

We need to ask ourselves, what are we doing as a city to make this community equal, to rid our system of injustices faced by the black community, to bring black people into positions of representation and leadership, to respect our brothers, sisters and neighbors. Let us be an example to the rest of America on how to proactively be better.

 

Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your service.

 

-Carly Sheaffer