Stop Killing Us - da Silva, Cidinha

Stop Killing Us: A Call to Action Against Police Brutality

In her powerful and eye-opening book, "Stop Killing Us," Cidinha da Silva exposes the systemic racism and police brutality that plagues the United States. Through personal stories, statistics, and expert analysis, da Silva paints a damning picture of a society that has failed to protect its black and brown citizens.

A Personal Journey

Da Silva begins her book by sharing her own experiences with police brutality. As a black woman, she has been stopped, questioned, and harassed by the police on numerous occasions. In one particularly harrowing incident, she was even arrested and held in jail for several days without being charged with a crime.

Da Silva's personal experiences are not unique. Millions of black and brown people in the United States have been subjected to similar treatment by the police. In fact, studies have shown that black people are three times more likely to be stopped by the police than white people, and they are also more likely to be arrested, convicted, and sentenced to prison.

The Statistics Don't Lie

The statistics on police brutality are staggering. In 2019, the police killed over 1,000 people in the United States. Of those killed, over 25% were black, even though black people only make up 13% of the population.

These numbers are not just statistics. They represent the lives of real people who have been lost to police violence. Each one of these deaths is a tragedy, and each one is a reminder of the urgent need for reform.

The Root Causes of Police Brutality

Da Silva argues that police brutality is not simply a matter of a few bad apples. It is a systemic problem that is rooted in racism and white supremacy.

The police are supposed to serve and protect the public, but in reality, they often act as an occupying force in black and brown communities. They are more likely to stop, question, and arrest black people than white people, and they are more likely to use excessive force against black people.

This is not just a matter of individual prejudice. It is a product of the systemic racism that permeates American society. The police are a reflection of the society they serve, and until we address the racism that is embedded in our institutions, we will not be able to stop police brutality.

A Call to Action

Da Silva concludes her book with a call to action. She urges readers to get involved in the fight against police brutality and to demand justice for the victims of police violence.

There are many things that we can do to make a difference. We can support organizations that are working to reform the police, we can donate to bail funds, and we can speak out against police brutality. We can also vote for politicians who are committed to addressing the root causes of police brutality.

Together, we can stop the killing.

Why You Should Read This Book

"Stop Killing Us" is a must-read for anyone who cares about justice and equality. It is a powerful and eye-opening book that will change the way you think about police brutality.

This book is not just for black and brown people. It is for everyone who believes that all lives matter. It is a call to action for all of us to come together and demand an end to police brutality.

If you are tired of seeing black and brown people killed by the police, then you need to read this book. It will inspire you to get involved in the fight for justice and to make a difference in the world.