Thousands gathered in Logan Square in Chicago, Ill. on April 16th, 2021 to protest and march in solidarity with the loss of Adam Toledo, a 13 year old boy from Little Village who was shot and killed by Chicago Police on March 29th, 2021 (Photo by Jesus J. Montero).

By Emily

The video of Adam Toledo getting fatally shot by Chicago Police Officer Eric Stillman was released on April 15. It’s been almost a year since the protests following George Floyd's killing happened in Cicero, and it calls to question, what has changed?

The system in which an unarmed, complying child of 13 can be shot and killed by a police officer is still upheld. I want to emphasize how disgusted I am at those who try to make excuses for the actions of the police officer by saying, “well I heard he was a part of a gang,” or “he was out late,” none of these are valid enough reasons for Toledo to have gotten murdered.

In fact, no matter what Toledo was involved in, what time he was out, he shouldn’t have gotten killed. No one should be killed for any of these reasons. The fact that this happened in one of the towns right next to Cicero makes it hit much closer to home. He was a boy of the same cultural background and similar upbringing as most of the youth here in Cicero. Protests will continue until something changes—as they should. I understand that a lot of parents don’t want their teens and young adults going out to protest because it’s ‘dangerous’ and it makes them worry but they need to acknowledge that the reason why they are worried is because they saw what happened last year: police abusing their power at protests.

I feel like in a way, we’ve failed at educating some of our community members of the reality of the situation. To me, defunding the police doesn’t mean complete removal of the police. It means taking some funds away and allocating them to other areas like community outreach or making new programs to help those facing drug addiction, mental illness, abuse, etc. Although I’m glad that a conversation has been opened up, it’s not enough. There needs to be more sustainable action behind this.

This shouldn’t be a problem that resurfaces during the summer. This is a year-round issue that needs to be addressed. Police brutality is something that needs to stop. Officers need to be held accountable and the law needs to stop failing us. It’s absurd that we are supposed to trust the law and due process when police can shoot anyone without repercussion. A traffic violation isn’t a murderable offense, having a toy gun isn’t a murderable offense, complying with what the police are telling you isn’t a murderable offense, yet it still has happened.

What can be done now?

I understand that not all of us can go out to protest due to things like school, parents, health but things can still be done at home. People can call elected officials, help put together necessary information for those who are going to protests, donate to the families of those affected by police brutality, volunteer at community outreach programs, correct those who find excuses for what has happened and speak out in general. There is so much more that can be said but I just want whoever’s reading this to know that this isn’t over until things are fixed. This has never been a temporary problem, it's continuous and ever changing. This is why it’s important to continue in your efforts against police brutality and your efforts in support of equality, equity and diversity.

Emily is a Cicero resident and a high school senior.

Our “Community Voice” section gives Cicero and Berwyn residents an opportunity to share their thoughts, experiences and opinions. Information is fact-checked for accuracy. To contribute a “Community Voice” article email info@ciceroindependiente.com.