Frustration, sadness, and rage mounts as a black man named Alton B. Sterling was shot and killed by police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Tuesday (Jul. 5).
Sterling was being arrested by two officers who had him pinned to the floor in front of a convenience store where he’d been selling CDs. As he was held, at least one of the cops pulled a trigger and shots rang out.
The Justice Department, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Baton Rouge are all investigating the fatal shooting, according to The New York Times. Since the incident, a graphic video capturing at least part of the confrontation has surfaced online. In the wake of this, many artists have voiced their outrage.
Fabolous, for instance, shared his feelings on Instagram to go along with a photo of Sterling. “Some Police Officers are painting the image of a Black Man as a immediate threat,” he wrote. “If you are a Black Man you can potentially be a thug, a killer, or just doing something illegal. More often we are guilty just for being Black. There is suspicion just because you are African American. We are criminals by skin color. And the Police are in this train of thought. Black Man are losing their lives because of this & it’s getting worse and spreading to cities all over America. This is the 114th black man killed by Police in 2016. #AltonSterling.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHh0NGxDVDs/
Trey Songz also added his commentary, discussing the state of issues in this country.
“White privilege in America,” he wrote. “Whomever maybe offended by the topic of racism being real in America is a major part of the problem. All lives matter yes, however all lives aren’t the ones being taken without consequence by those who swear to protect. And with so many people attempting to make the case that these murders are justifiable, it must be stated again and again and again! #blacklivesmatter #altonsterling #prayersup #prayersneeded.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHh6VNxj07K/
Others, including Jeezy, Nas, Janelle Monáe, Ty Dolla $ign, Tamar Braxton, and Willow Smith also shared emotional words through IG. The Game added to this with a potent message of his own, sharing the graphic video with his fans.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHh1Q23ApRC/
“WE AINT HAVIN THIS SHIT NO MORE,” he wrote on IG. “#THETIMETOFIGHTBACKISNOW !!!!! #MartinLutherKing got shot on a f**kin balcony because he wasn’t scared to stand up for our parents, grandparents & US.”
T.I. also penned a heartfelt note to Sterling’s family. “My prayers & condolences go out to the family of #AltonSterling🙏🏽,” he wrote. “You guys deserve so much more than any amount of conciliation you’re being offered. You deserve the father,the husband,& the loved one u had & that was taken from you by some cold blooded murderers shielded by a badge & a uniform. #JusticeforAltonSterling #AmerikkkaAintShit.”
The outrage didn’t end there. Other artists shared emotional words about the fatal shooting on Twitter including Vic Mensa, Joe Budden, and Talib Kweli.
https://twitter.com/VicMensa/status/750772843709882368