With photos of young unarmed men killed by law enforcement displayed behind them, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) denounced escalating violence against men of color by law enforcement and committed themselves to pursuing tangible policies that address this issue in California, including the increased militarization of police departments across the state.

“In 2012, white officers killed black suspects about twice a week in the United States,” cited Assemblywoman Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego), who facilitated the discussion at the press conference. “Why? I have to say that we are dealing with a systemic and persistent form of racism that allows guilt to be presumed and the assumption that violence is inevitable when dealing with black youth.”

CLBC members said they need to explore the increased acquisition of military style equipment, including tanks, for use in towns and cities as a means of deescalating incidents between law enforcement and members of communities of color.

In a statement released last week, the CLBC affirmed that the solution to the problems lies in the creation of tangible policies that benefit young men of color across California. The CLBC has advocated for courses of action to expand early childhood education, boost funding for K-12 public schools and enhance access to rehabilitative services while also increasing the number of Californians who have health insurance. The policies not only improve the outcomes for young black men, but further the development of all people, despite their class, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion, according to the organization.

“Young, black, unarmed men are dying at a disproportionate rate whenever there is an interaction with law enforcement,” Sen. Holly Mitchell (D- Los Angeles) said. She is also the chair of the CLBC. “From Oscar Grant to Michael Brown to Ezell Ford, these men had brief encounters with white police officers and instead of having a chance to defend themselves in a court of law, they lost their lives.”