Taking the stage at a rally Friday commemorating the 1963 March on Washington, Columbus congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) emphasized the need for police accountability legislation.
Organizers marked the of Martin Luther King. Jr.鈥檚 鈥淚 Have a Dream鈥� speech at the Lincoln Memorial against the backdrop of renewed protests against police violence.
鈥淪ilence is not an option,鈥� Beatty said, 鈥渂ecause Black people face a symbolic chokehold every time we walk, speak up shop, jog, drive, and yes鈥攂reathe.鈥�
Beatty, who is vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, argued can be the vehicle for change.
鈥淟et us pass the George Ford [sic] Justice In Policing Act,鈥� Beatty told the crowd. 鈥淣o more immunity for officers who looked boldly into cell phone cameras as they kill our brothers and sisters.鈥�
The measure has already passed the Democratic-controlled House, but it has yet to gain traction in the U.S. Senate.
We are here because people died & were denied civil rights & economic rights.
We are here because 57 years ago people marched for jobs & freedom.
We are here today because Black Lives Matter. 鈥� Joyce Beatty (@RepBeatty)
Among other things, the wide-ranging measure would ban no-knock warrants and choke holds, as well as establish a nationwide registry tracking police misconduct. Beatty connected each policy change with the names鈥擝reonna Taylor, Eric Garner and Tamir Rice鈥攐f people whose death at the hands of police prompted the proposal.
Other speakers at the event, officially called "Get Your Knee Off Our Necks," included Martin Luther King III, Rep. Ayanna Presley (D-Mass.) and Rev. Al Sharpton.
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