Although many support and understand what necessitates the #BlackLivesMatter movement, some have been more vocal, rather than supportive, in their open critiques of its fiercely interminable place in our lives. Open-ended media discussions amongst your favorite talking heads, never-ending dialogues with close friends, and even well-intended organizing efforts across social media have all ended with one question—what’s next?

On the holiday honoring Dr. King’s legacy, DeRay McKesson, one of the movement’s most prominent leaders, appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to discuss privilege, how technology has accelerated the pace of organizing and Campaign Zero—a “10 point platform to end police violence.”

Source: JoinCampaignZero.org
Source: JoinCampaignZero.org

Specifically, the recently released Use of Force Project, which is a tenet of Campaign Zero’s planned policy solutions, addresses the public’s lack of basic protections against police violence.

This project aims to make preservation of life a primary principle, to encourage de-escalation whenever possible, eliminate strangulation as a means of force by arresting officers, and mandate intervention by a fellow officer when one exhibits an excessive or unlawful use of force.

In addition, Campaign Zero’s trailblazing team has introduced the first ever Use of Force Policy Database. This open-source collection contains policies for America’s largest police departments. The data will be used as a means to challenge current policies, guide the construction of future policing policies, and check the inconsistent application of said policies.

“We didn’t invent resistance. We didn’t discover injustice. but technology has allowed us to amplify these messages in ways that we couldn’t before and has accelerated the pace of organizing in ways that are really powerful.” – DeRay McKesson

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