Police Officer Betty Shelby, charged with the felony manslaughter of Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was released on a bond Friday morning according to a CNN news article. Her court date has yet to be announced, but is expected to fall within the next seven to 10 days.

This event fanned the flame of the current scrutiny the US police force is currently under. However, the immediate charge against Shelby showed a positive step towards racial justice and a giant leap away from discriminatory appropriation.

Although racial discrimination amongst the US police force has been prevalent dating back to the Civil Rights Movement, the killing of African American teenager Michael Brown sparked the beginnings of the Black Lives Matter movement. The movement has directed public and government attention towards racial injustice. Rather than being swept under the rug, discriminatory actions have since been brought forth into the public eye, expressing a need for reform and racial justice.

Shelby’s prosecution will reveal either progress or decline in regards to a more equal tomorrow. Regardless of the outcome, I believe that racial justice can be achieved. I believe that you and I can be a part of the movement for change and acceptance. I believe the current generations of young men and women are the most tolerant our country has ever seen. Do not let your voice go unheard. Speak up for the oppressed, and they will speak up for you.

Much love and coffee,

Brooke