Between encouraging Black women to get in formation and slay, to delivering one of the Blackest, most political albums of her career (and pissing off police unions in the process), Beyoncé has increasingly become more outspoken about Black folks and our concerns.

Today, after videos of Alton Sterling’s and Philando Castile’s graphic deaths at the hands of police went viral, Beyoncé used her massive platform to demand action.

“We are sick and tired of the killings of young men and women in our communities,” the singer wrote on her website in a post titled, “Freedom.”

“It is up to us to take a stand and demand that they ‘stop killing us,'” she said.

While many have offered prayer as a solution to the problem of police violence, Bey argued what Black folks really need is justice and respect.

“We don’t need sympathy. We need everyone to respect our lives. We’re going to stand up as a community and fight against anyone who believes that murder or any violent action by those who are sworn to protect us should consistently go unpunished,” she wrote.

Come through, Beyonce!

At the end of her powerful letter, Bey urged fans to not only get angry, but also get involved.

“We all have the power to channel our anger and frustration into action. We must use our voices to contact the politicians and legislators in our districts and demand social and judicial changes,” she wrote, before sharing links to contact congressional officials.

Beyoncé wasn’t the only high profile person who spoke out. President Obama also weighed in on the tragic events, calling them “symptomatic of the broader challenges within our criminal justice system.”

“All Americans should be deeply troubled by the fatal shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. We’ve seen such tragedies far too many times, and our hearts go out to the families and communities who’ve suffered such a painful loss,” the president wrote in a statement. “All Americans should recognize the anger, frustration, and grief that so many Americans are feeling — feelings that are being expressed in peaceful protests and vigils. Michelle and I share those feelings. Rather than fall into a predictable pattern of division and political posturing, let’s reflect on what we can do better. Let’s come together as a nation, and keep faith with one another, in order to ensure a future where all of our children know that their lives matter.”


Britni Danielle is the Senior Digital Editor for EBONY.com and JETmag.com. Catch her tweeting @BritniDWrites.