Drake ‘truly scared’ after Alton Sterling shooting
Drake feels "truly scared" following the violent shooting of Alton Sterling.
The 37-year-old father-of-five was selling CDs outside a food mart in Baton Rouge, Louisiana early on Tuesday (07.05.16) morning when he was shot dead by two policemen, with the entire incident caught on camera by a passer-by, and Drake is just one of the many celebrities who are horrified by the latest death of a black man at the hands of the US police.
Canadian rapper Drake wrote on Instagram: "I am grateful to be able to call America my second home. Last night, when I saw the video of Alton Sterling being killed, it left me feeling disheartened, emotional and truly scared. I woke up 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. No one begins their life as a hashtag. Yet the trend of being reduced to one continues.
"This is real and I’m concerned. 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.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Sterling family and any family that has lost someone to this cycle of violence.
"Be safe out there. More life."
Kanye West shared a link to the footage on his Twitter page while Jesse Williams, who was praised for his powerful BET Awards speech on race last month, took to his own Twitter account after the shooting.
He wrote: "In the interest of time, would ye noble patriots please provide a list of infractions punishable by spontaneous public execution? Thanks!".
Zendaya tweeted: "How many more times must this happen for us to matter? How many more must we lose? BLACK. LIVES. MATTER. #AltonSterling," and Amy Schumer added: "Love to Louisiana #AltonSterling."
Justin Timberlake simply wrote: "#AltonSterling", MC Hammer called for justice, writing: "This barbaric behavior under the guise of law is despicable, inhumane and heartbreaking. Justice for #AltonSterling" and Paramore’s Hayley Williams tweeted: "Praying for justice & peace in #AltonSterling case. Leadership roles(i.e. police) MUST require real accountability. The pattern MUST change."
