MDRC Office Closed

As of 11:00 am on April 16, 2021, 265 people have been killed by police in the United States this year; 6 of those victims under the age of 18.

Yesterday, the Chicago Police Department released disturbing footage of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, who is Latino, being murdered as he stood with his hands up, complying with police instruction.

At Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, we have consistently spoken about the need for systemic change, especially as it relates to institutions possessing unparalleled power in our society. We don’t need to have a discussion about whether this child’s murder was racially motivated - look at how many white mass murders are alive and well. We don’t need to ask the question regarding whether the police officers involved in this child’s murder need to be held accountable; of course they do.

However, we do need to ask the more pressing question: how many more Adam Toledo’s or Tamir Rice’s do there need to be for us to change?

We have not reached a full week between Adam Toledo’s murder and the execution of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Wright, a Black 20-year-old man with disabilities, was murdered Sunday while simply being pulled over for a non-violent traffic violation, placing into full view the undisputed fact that law enforcement has evolved in a way that makes public safety counter to its mission.

As an organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of vulnerable people in the state of Michigan, we must always keep a critical eye on the implications of violence perpetrated by the state against vulnerable people. We cannot forget the ongoing state-sanctioned violence that has been terrorizing communities of color and the disability community for far too long. The time for talking about change has long passed; it's time for action. 

We join the calls for justice by Adam Toledo’s family and community; justice as a bare minimum. We join the calls of community groups that believe we need to invest and prioritize community services over police budgets.

In solidarity with all those seeking accountability.

The Affordable Care Act and the Health Michigan Plan (expanded Medicaid) have not been repealed! MDRC can still help you find affordable health care. Contact our Navigator, Kathleen at 517-333- 2477 x 313.