Sandra Bland

#IfIDieInPoliceCustody, I want my children to know that I was not in the wrong place, at the wrong time. I simply was.

I want to tell my children again that I love them, and if given a choice, I would gladly give my life for theirs. I would never, ever, trade being combative with a police officer to hearing the voice, or seeing the face of my children.

My children should know that I am angry, frustrated, and so sick and tired of systemic racism that I sometimes feel like throwing up. But, if I have any say so in the matter, I would never give in to racism to the point of taking my own life.

I would never take my own life. I would never take my own life. I would never take my own life.

My girls should know that if they were to die mysteriously say, in a white neighborhood, or in police custody, or driving alone through California’s central valley, or walking alone in San Francisco, looking at the architecture of the Mormon Temple in Oakland, having a beer with a friend on Russian Hill, they should realize that I know they would never take their life. I know that they are never in the wrong place at the wrong time. I know that they just are.

#IfIDieInPoliceCustody investigate, question, demand, scream, and stomp until they are brought to justice.

#IfIDieInPoliceCustody post on the internet, write and call the newspapers, the mayor, the governor, the president.

#IfIDieInPoliceCustody be persistent, never give up, never quit, until they are brought to justice.

Because, my dear beloved precious children, that’s what I would do for you.