My heart breaks and fear grips me when I think about the senseless loss of young Black lives at the hands of those meant to protect us. A young Black male, just 19 years old, was tragically shot and killed by the Wilmington police for no reason. This event has shaken our community to its core, and as a mother, I fear for my 2-year-old son's future and safety in the city we call home.

The need for change has never been more pressing. Wilmington, Delaware, must prioritize community-based policing to foster trust, understanding, and genuine collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Community-based policing can bridge the gap by emphasizing partnership and cooperation in preventing crime, rather than an escalating use of force.

In addition, it is crucial to strengthen accountability within our police force. Transparent and unbiased investigations must follow any use of force incidents. Implementing body-worn cameras, training officers in de-escalation techniques, and developing a diverse police force that reflects Wilmington's community are essential steps in this process.

Statistics highlight a national issue: African Americans are nearly three times more likely to be killed by police than their white counterparts. Action must be taken locally to address this disparity and to protect our community members from unjust violence.

We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the memory of those lost to advocate for systemic change. It is time to build a safer Wilmington where every citizen, regardless of race, can trust and collaborate with their local law enforcement. Sign this petition to call on our city leaders to implement community-based policing and reinforce accountability measures in Wilmington, DE. Our community deserves safety and justice for all.