To Those Who Don't Understand,

I am sure we have all seen last week's media the murder of two African-American men: Alton Sterling of Baton Rouge, La., and Philando Castile of Falcon Heights, Minn.

Now I have seen countless numbers of Facebook posts where some people are on the side of the police and others are on the side of the men who were murdered. After looking at many of the posts, I feel like those who refuse to recognize what really happened are either outright racist and bigots or just completely stand on the side of the police simply because that is all they were taught to do. I believe both ways of thinking stem from a serious lack of understanding.

Please, before taking my argument and completely disregarding what I am about to say, take a second to see where I am coming from.

We all know that every movement has those people who are ignorant and misinformed, leading to an irrational response and assumptions based off anger that in no way make sense. For the sake of argument, let's leave them out and focus on the intent of what black people are really asking of the justice system.

For the people referencing "black on black crime"

I see you posting about how we need to focus on this before we can stop police brutality from happening. Here's the thing, we understand we kill each other, and, yes, it needs to be stopped, but that is not what this issue is about right now. You see black people shooting another black person, and guess what happens to that murderer? He or she gets thrown in jail. What happens when a police officer, who is not following proper protocol, kills an innocent person? The police department refuses to acknowledge that there is indeed an issue within the justice system or their department regardless of having the evidence placed in plain sight, and if they are not rightfully convicted, they get off easy as if it were no big deal.

For the people saying the Black Lives Matter movement is only promoting more racism

Many are misinformed about what this movement is actually about and go by what they may have heard from a friend or mainstream media. Do your research. These are peaceful protests, not riots. Riots imply violence, which is not the case.

Yes, all lives matter. The Black Lives Matter movement is not a matter of saying black lives are more valuable than any other race. What we are saying is to stop killing us and to have justice be served when it is due. If someone does their job wrong, there should be repercussions. In the case of the police, we do not see that happen.

For the people asking "where is the outrage" when white people are killed

We definitely see cases where white people have been shot and killed. Zachary Hammond of South Carolina was recently killed by a police officer. We know it happens, and it shouldn't without valid reasoning! People are saying, "Where is the outrage?" and "Why is no one protesting?" No one is stopping you from going out and having your voice heard. If you feel justice is not being served for a loss you have encountered because of police brutality, then speak up about the matter! Do not question why there is no one advocating for white lives when black people are trying to hang on to their own. You be the change, but do not blame others for the lack of uproar that you could be creating yourselves.

For my people saying, "Cops are people too."

You are absolutely correct. Cops are people too. There are many cops out there who are outstanding. I thank them for their services and for staying true to the oath that was taken when stepping into that blue uniform. There are definitely a great number of good cops out there and we should bring light to all they have done! The attack on the officers in Dallas, Texas, was in no way a good thing. In fact, that was another tragic event all American people faced. They have families too, and my condolences go out to their family, friends and loved ones. Do not have false pretenses thinking that because this happened, all black people hate cops. This is not true.

The Black Lives Matter movement, or those who identify as being pro-black, are not referring to the cops who are properly doing their jobs. We are speaking to the cops who are not staying true to their word, who are wrongfully killing innocent and unarmed people and to the cops who are refusing to admit their wrongdoings.

For my black people

Embrace and love each other. Stop the light-skinned versus dark-skinned battle. At the end of the day, people still see you as a minority. Share your knowledge. Most importantly, find yourself. Know who you are. Know your worth. We are such powerful beings, and greatness has already been instilled in us, but it is on us to allow greatness to emanate from our souls. If you want change, continue to stand for what you believe in and self-educate, so that one day we may gain more control that will allow equality. Count the blessings God gives you.

For the people just wondering what they can do to help

We are not asking for you to put your life on the line. If you want to help, then just support us. Educate your people on their African roots and how they relate to black people. If you are white, then acknowledge your privilege. We all have struggles. I am not discounting that in any way. However, not in all cases, but in most cases you will have the upper hand if you are white, and what we need is equality for all of us. For everyone, do not make mockery of the positive protests that are occurring. Spread your knowledge to your peers who do not understand why people are marching in the streets. Support our movements. Support policies to change racial injustice. Showing support is the best thing you can do whether you are African American, Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic/Latinx or anything else.

Overall, black people just want to be treated equally. Being pro-black does not mean to be against white people or any other race. We want innocent people to stop being killed by police officers who are using excessive force for no valid reason. If you do not see the racial injustice here in America, then I just have to go ahead and think that you are lost. Most of all, we want justice when justice is due. That shouldn't be so difficult.

Unapologetically Black,

Khadijah M. Williams