History is prone to repeat itself. This is a column I wrote in 2018. I wanted to republish it so we could see that we need to work on this vigorously.

February 16, 2018

It started in 2016, now it's 2018. What has changed? Former San Francisco 49er player, Colin Kaepernick brought attention to the plight of African American and people of color who have become victims when many are confronted by the police. His silent protest was simply taking a knee while the National Anthem was being played during the start of each football game.

Police brutality against African Americans and other minorities isn't anything new. It has been going on since the 1960s and before. However, over the last five years the number of young men being killed at the hands of police officers has increased. Kaepernick was joined by many other NFL players who also took a knee or many people who boycotted watching the games and some people who didn't attend any NFL games. (I was one of those who didn't watch any NFL games this season. Not even the Superbowl and I like football)

But more needs to be done. I also emailed Roger Goodell a few times and expressed my concern about the non-statement the NFL had taken as potential NFL players were gun down in the streets. I also held many conversations about what needs to be done to make sure our young men are safe when they come in contact with police officers.

Now that the season is over, the people that protested must continue to let their voices be heard. As we discussed the number of people that are dying while in police custody, it was shocking to hear that there are more happening each month. Then, I get a call from a friend that her nephew was just killed by a police officer in Ohio. Why?

We must continue bringing attention to the untimely death of our young people. They are losing their life from Black on Black crime and from Blue crime. Talk to the youth, talk to the police officers in your city. Talk, talk talk, train, train, train. The problem isn't going to fix itself. We must work on this together.

Now it is August 2020. I'm asking you today, what are you prepared to do so that in 2022, we will not be talking about the same thing. Continue to talk to our loved ones. Police departments must continue to train and build relations with the communities. The elected officials must pass legistration to hold officers accountable if they don't follow their Use of Force training process We must be seen as people whose lives matter.

Gina Wilson Steward

CEO/Publisher