"Say Their Names!" We heard the chants, and saw these words on countless signs and shirts.

"Say Their Names!" This is our response, to speak the names of thousands of Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Native Americans brutalized and murdered by police actions, or while in police custody.

"Say Their Names!" We make no judgement regarding these victims' guilt or innocence, or whether they deserved death. That decision was made by police officers across the country. Perhaps because these victims were not white, police officers were prone to callousness. Eager to brutalize and murder. Sanctified in their ability to do so.

"Say Their Names!" Racism and unchecked police brutality have killed thousands of men, women, and children across America. Many of these deaths were never fully reported, so we can call them only "Unidentified Victims." Still, we speak of them to keep their memories alive.

"Say Their Names!" Our timeline is 2015 to present, following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in February 2012 and the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner in 2014. A movement to demonstrate against these and other deaths has grown since. Today, it is worldwide.

"Say Their Names!" So they will not be forgotten. We have remained silent too long about police brutality and racism. We stand up now, and bear witness to the memories of these people, and their lives cut short, as we say their names. This will not return these people to life. But can keep their memories alive.

"Say Their Names!" To stop further injustice, violence, brutality, murder. To promote civic engagement and social justice. Thank you for helping us in this endeavor.

(Source: Artist's Statement)

Say Their Names

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