BLM Leaders Demand Justice for Steve Perkins: Black Lives Matter leaders gathered at Decatur City Hall, demanding justice for Steve Perkins and his family. Representatives from Alabama, Birmingham, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Florida came to support the local activist group, Standing in Power.
The organizers presented four demands. First, they called for the Perkins family to be granted access to body camera footage from the morning Decatur police shot and killed Steve Perkins. Second, they demanded the arrest, firing, and prosecution of the police officers involved in his death. Third, they sought the arrest and prosecution of the tow truck driver. Lastly, they insisted on the dismissal of all charges against protesters and the expungement of their records.
Andrew Joseph, a member of BLM Florida, emphasized that the Perkins family deserves answers. “This family deserves justice. This family deserves answers. This family deserves transparency,” he stated.
Porchse Miller and other leaders echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the Perkins family deserves more than what city leaders are currently providing. Miller asserted, “It’s time to hold these officers and these legislators and these people sitting in their offices accountable. We are tired, but we will never get weary fighting for our people.”
Eric Hall, BLM’s Birmingham leader, directed a message to Mayor Bowling, saying, “Mayor, I hope you make the right decision. And, understand that if you don’t make the right decision, there will be consequences.”
The final say on the officers’ employment lies with Mayor Bowling, and he is expected to announce his decision on Monday, Dec. 4.
READ MORE: A Month After the Tragic Death of Stephen Perkins: Recap and Calls for Transparency
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What is the mission statement of the BLM?
The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc. is a worldwide organization with branches in the US, UK, and Canada. Its goal is to eliminate white supremacy and empower local communities to take action against violence inflicted on Black people by the government and individuals acting as self-appointed enforcers.