In order to raise awareness about the killing of black women and children by police, topless women blocked traffic in downtown San Francisco, last week. The demonstration was part of a nationwide day of action to protest the deaths of Aiyana Jones, Tanisha Anderson, Yvette Smith, Rekia Boyd and other women and girls killed by law-enforcement officers. Protests and vigils took place in cities across the country including New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans.
The national demonstrations followed the release of a report by the African American Policy Forum titled Say Her Name: Resisting Police Brutality Against Black Women, which highlights the stories of black women who have suffered from alleged police brutality.
Protesters held signs with the hashtag #SayHerName, and posters with the names and pictures of black women who died in the hands of the cops. “We also understand that we live in a country that commodifies black women and black bodies but ignores the death of black women and black girls,” said Chinyere Tutashinda, founding member of the BlackOut Collective and a member of the Bay Area chapter of Black Lives Matter.
I am amazed and proud of the organizers behind #SayHerName. What a powerful and important campaign. pic.twitter.com/OskjzjWUFD
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) May 21, 2015
Say their names. Read their stories. Demand an end to State violence against Black Women & Girls. #SayHerName pic.twitter.com/hjtdqDLCAy — Keegan Stephan (@KeeganNYC) May 21, 2015
Their Lives Matter, so many women out here losing their lives without their stories being told #SayHerName pic.twitter.com/09H02Cp3Yp
— 3.31.2015 #TAAN (@AmbitiousGirls) May 21, 2015
If you can’t get past the imagery of breasts, than the protest was meant for you too. #SayHerName — zellie (@zellieimani) May 21, 2015
Be upset at the murder of black women & the lack of coverage & lack of convictions. Be upset at that, not nudity in public. #SayHerName
— zellie (@zellieimani) May 21, 2015
In the financial district of Silicon Valley. Black women’s bodies are NOT for your commodification. #SayHerName pic.twitter.com/j7ic6HWJQz — BrownBlaze (@brownblaze) May 21, 2015
If ALL #BlackLivesMatter, the silence surrounding violence against Black women and girls must be broken. #SayHerName
— PrestonMitchum (@PrestonMitchum) May 21, 2015
In solidarity. Lifting up black women&girls killed by police 27 names, 27 shattered families BYP_100 #SayHerName pic.twitter.com/hAQM2BGQlR — Heidi lehmann (@Heidi_Lehmann) May 21, 2015
#SayHerName today, tomorrow, everyday. http://t.co/SrdvNg3Dcn pic.twitter.com/8XB3vizzTh — Janet Mock (@janetmock) May 21, 2015
Rest in power. #SayHerName #BlackWomenMatter pic.twitter.com/1KNk51uzDg — Chenthoori (@Chenthoorii) May 20, 2015
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Question. Why does this have to be a race thing at all? This article is about and for African American woman and police brutality, African American women haven’t been the only victims, what about the Indian, and Asian victims? I’m sorry but if your white and look a certain way you too will be a victim of police brutality. Raise awareness for everyone without singling a race out or your being as discrimitive and ignorant as all the major news stations. Everyone needs to be aware, know your rights and remember all of us are human beings we are all responsible for our fates, we don’t stand up for our rights and liberty’s fuck yeah the police and the government are going to just walk all over us. That being said control your self as well, don’t be stupid. What happens to this country and world is something not just we will have to live with but more so our children.
I’m sick of the race issue. There are plenty of WHITE people that get killed or assaulted by police but they do not get ANY publicity. http://www.innocentdown.org/
JESUS H CHRIST, OF COURSE IT HAS TO BE A RACE THING!! Racism is a major issue that affects the lives of all Americans. African Americans have been/are being systematically oppressed since slavery. Bringing light to this issue doesn’t undermine the deaths of non-black people who have been killed by cops. It brings awareness to the inefficacy of the American justice system and the atrocities committed by people who are supposed to protect us.
A black person is much more likely to suffer from racism in this country than say, a white person. So, unless you are BLACK, you will NEVER understand how it feels to be treated differently because of the color of your skin.
It is important that people raise awareness against police brutality so that we can actively change the way our justice system operates. That’s why these stories are important.
So sorry that this “race issue” inconveniences but honestly you can shove it where the sun don’t shine.
the only reason racism still lives is because idiots like you and them let them this person above was saying cut out the bigotry and all unite white black Asian it doesnt matter unite as a people together to stop it all together if you only fight based on the color of your skin and only fight for people of the same color guess what your a fucking racist too dumbass
It’s not the Police’s job to protect you, you have been mis-informed. Their duty is to keep the peace, it has never been to protect people.
This very well is a race thing! Almost all of the people killed by police are black! Yes, their are some white people murdered by the police. I am not denying that. But, nearly all the people murdered by the police are black! Do your homework before you make idiotic comments like this one!
will you stop making up stupid facts off the top of your head and actually do some research it is not even close to almost all jesus im embarrssed to call myself a person because people like you are the same species its sad
maybe they should reconsider Lobotomy, as a valid and effective way of dealing with people like you
Fuck off Femen. We dont want you here!
Fuck you to hell! How dare you leave such a hateful comment against women! This is the 21st century, jackass! These women are actually raising awarness of real problems, instead of wasting their lives! How dare you!
do none of these women know what a razor is?
Luiz that commented your a bitch
I googled one random name from the list of black women killed by police. I chose Islan Nettles, turns out Islan is a trans, so yeah I guess woman, but killed by a regular black guy.
I hate the way the police is treating innocent civilians like shit. This is why I want to be a police officer, that way I can witness everything that is wrong with them and watch them get fired and sent to prison. Note to young civilians, native or foreign: It is NOT illegal for you to film cops, no matter the case. Not only Anonymous, authorities or good cops (if any still exist) can put an end to this – it is up to YOU to work with all of them. I will be doing my part in my hometown, with my iPhone ready to record. I haven’t been a victim, yet, but I will be prepared. It’s time to show those stupid asses what democracy and freedom really is about.
Someonesmart?? #yourkiddingright?
The only thing you are,,, is IGNORANT and Young with a big dose of Testosterone , or ego or something,, wow ,, try to go to college in your spare time or something.. Just a piece of advice from an old man who has been there ,, done that and….bought the T-shirt ,, five times!! I’m 58 years old,, and I have been abused by policemen more than once ,, more than twice,, too many times,, I’ve seen this country lie big time,, to its own people , I watched as they made up Pearl Harbor ,, 911, the war in Vietnam ,, I saw JFK get murdered by his own govt,, right in front of his wife on national TV,,,Then i watched the LONGEST funeral parade ever held ,, so the people would forget about it,, and then watched as they continued to kill,, judges,, MLK,, Malcolm X ( Dr. Little) then Bobby,, then pretty much right on cue ,, they killed JFK Jr.I know why they were killed I think,,, because of what their Dad did,, and if you don’t know what that is and how Policies have changed since then ,, then start reading and form your own opinion,, but IMHO ,, if you want to make a point ,, prove something,, Get heard ,, win a debate,, learn how to use some real adjetives,, and nouns,, or like myself ,, no-one will take you seriously ,, here is a link for you so you can brush up http://www.engvid.com/basics-noun-verb-adjective-adverb/
why do they have to show their breasts? What does that have to do with a protest to stop police brutality??