Drake Speaks Out on Police Shootings & Alton Sterling's Death
The 6 God has spoken.
Joining the many concerned artists who have been vocal about the fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling, the Toronto rapper released a statement about his fears and frustrations through Instagram.
“Last night, when I saw the video of Alton Sterling being killed, it left me feeling disheartened, emotional, and truly scared,” he wrote. “I woke up this morning with a strong need to say something.
“It’s impossible to ignore that the relationship between black and brown communities and law enforcement remains as strained as it was decades ago,” he added. “No one begins their life as a hashtag. Yet the trend of being reduced to one continues.”
Before saying that his thoughts and prayers are with the Sterling family and any family that has suffered through a similar situation, Drake also explained his fears and hopes further.
“This is real and I’m concerned,” he wrote. “Concerned for the safety of my family, my friends, and any human being that could fall victim to this pattern. I do not know the answer. But I believe things can change for the better. Open and honest dialogue is the first step.”
On Tuesday (Jul. 5), Sterling was shot and killed while being arrested by two officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation to look into the fatal shooting.
The following day, a 32-year-old black man in Minnesota identified as Philando Castile was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop. The incident was captured on video by the front-seat passenger and streamed live through Facebook.
Read Drake’s full statement below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHim8QWjFTx/