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Drake Responds To Alton Sterling Murder

By Antonio J. Newell
Published on: 08:40 PST, Jul 7, 2016

Amid all the recent police violence, Drake’s Alton Sterling response arises. The “One Dance” artist is fully transparent in his public words.

Concerning Drake, Alton Sterling’s murder seems to have shaken the “One Dance” singer a little.

In the letter, Drake calls America his second home, but the rise in police brutality and total judicial dismissiveness regarding their actions has left Drizzy feeling less than welcomed.

After Alton Sterling’s murder, protests continue. [Image via Gerald Herbert/AP Images]

Via Drake’s Instagram, the “One Dance” artist expressed his condolences toward Alton Sterling’s family as well as the “black and brown community.”

In regard to Sterling’s shooting, Drake mentions that the entire situation has left him feeling “disheartened, emotional, and truly scared.” The situation seemingly affected Drake so much that he felt a “strong need” to express his thoughts concerning Alton’s murder.

“It’s impossible to ignore that the relationship between black and brown communities and law enforcement remains as strained as it was decades ago.”

Drake, like many other celebrities, has a strong influence on the general public — at least those within his large fan base, anyway.

Yet, to maintain a certain level of transparency and social awareness, Drake understands the ins and outs of modern communication methods.

“No one begins their life as a hashtag,” Drake’s Instagram post notes concerning Alton Sterling. “Yet the trend of being reduced to one continues.”

Further expounding on Alton Sterling’s murder, Drake says that he wishes that no human would fall victim to these crime patterns by wrongful men in power.

Retired New York City policeman Frank Serpico mentioned to the New York Daily News that several officers don’t deserve to wear the uniform nowadays.

He mentions that, to these particular officers, it’s just a job, and they won’t hesitate to pull the trigger. They are quick to shoot first and ask questions later.

In another Inquisitr report, you’ll see that Alton Sterling was actually the wrong guy, regarding the 911 call.

Yet, regarding other cases similar to Sterling’s shooting, Drake also mentions that he doesn’t know the answer to solving such a vast problem in law enforcement. Amid it all, the “One Dance” singer notes that he’s assuredly concerned.

“This is real and I’m concerned,” Drake says. “I’m concerned for the safety of my family and friends.”

In his open letter, Drizzy noted that it’s important to be open and honest about everything as the first step to “change.”

As a closing statement, Drake advised everyone to “stay safe out there.” He also gave an extra acknowledgement of condolence to Alton Sterling’s family and friends.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Sterling family and any family that has lost someone to this cycle of violence.”

Although Drake’s Alton Sterling letter was a major voice for the public, some people feel that the “One Dance” artist’s influence could be greater than “just a letter.”

Via Drake’s Instagram, fans and others commented Drizzy’s post, and he has received seemingly equal attention from both sides of the spectrum.

While there are people who thank Drake for his words and for taking the time to express his thoughts regarding the Alton Sterling shooting, there are possibly just as many who state that Drake’s letter is “weak.” Some of the people who oppose Drake say that the Views artist is simply staying behind the safety of his phone, rather than getting out there within the Alton Sterling protests.

If you recall when the Mike Brown shooting happened, J. Cole traveled to Ferguson to be with the people during the protests and rallies.

However, while Drake spends a lot of time and has a huge fan base in the United States, people have to remember that Drizzy isn’t a U.S. citizen.

These laws and judicial loopholes aren’t rules that affect Canadian citizens or their law enforcement authorities.

This is “ground zero” for U.S. citizens — the United States of America.

Just yesterday, July 6, police officers shot and killed another man, Philando Castile, during a Facebook Live session. Then, Facebook deactivated his girlfriend’s page where the video was located.

The Inquisitr covered that story in a previous report. You can watch the full video there.

Being of African descent, this is Drake’s fight as well. However, Drizzy shouldn’t be ridiculed or undermined regarding his Alton Sterling response. Drake has done his part. If anything, Sterling’s death is something U.S. rappers and singers should address — given that this is an American issue right now.

Even though musical artists from the U.S. are incredibly influential in South Africa, do you think South Africans ridiculed American rappers for not coming over to protest during the country’s apartheid?

Exactly. The shoe fits, so wear it.

It’s the same situation with Drake and Alton’s shooting. How can you ridicule a celebrity from another country for not showing up to the Sterling protests? And although Drake’s Alton Sterling letter spoke volumes, he was under no obligation to write it, correct?

What are your thoughts? Feel free to share them in the comments below.

[Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images & Gerald Herbert/AP Images]

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