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Kim Dawson-Brooks
Marketing and Communication Specialist
414.906.2744 / kdawsonbrooks@cr-sdc.org

How Many Times Do We Have To Watch Them Die?

 Wisconsin’s Largest Community Action Agency Demands Policy Change After Kenosha Police Shoot Jacob Blake in the Back

MILWAUKEE, WI. – August 25, 2020 –  This afternoon George Hinton, CEO of the Social Development Commission issued the following statement in the wake of the Kenosha Police shooting, critically injuring Jacob Blake:

What if this was your child?

What if this was your brother, father, or friend?

Jacob Blake is a human being entitled to civil liberties and protection under the law. Unfortunately, too many people don’t see this African American father as human. And until this systemic racism ends, we will continue to watch them die. Over and over and over again.

You must pick a side.

Today, you will either join the fight for policy change and police reform that we advocate for, or history will record you as a silent accomplice to some of the most horrific acts of our time. I am referring to the countless, unjustified police shootings that occurred before Blake, and – unless something changes- will continue.

As difficult as it may be, take a look at the video captured in this incident. Police shot a man in the back. They opened fire, putting innocent children, Blake’s children, in jeopardy.

This is what systemic inequality looks like.

We don’t see this repeatedly occurring with white families.

Shootings like this occur in black and brown communities often. Shootings like this are most likely to impact people experiencing poverty. Shootings like this continue without accountability and consequence.

No more.

Let’s not make this a political issue. Let it be a human issue, because one way or another, it affects us all.

For more than 50 years, the Social Development Commission has operated as the Community Action Agency for Milwaukee County. SDC serves as a planner, coordinator, and provider of human service programs for low-income individuals and families residing in Milwaukee County. The agency is an intergovernmental commission and is governed by a board of 18 citizens from Milwaukee County, each of whom holds the title of “Commissioner.” For more information on SDC’s programs and services, visit cr-sdc.org. Connect with us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/SDCMilwaukee and Twitter www.twitter.com/CRSDC.

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