By Marion Gray-Hopkins, president of the Coalition of Concerned Mothers

My 19-year-old son, Gary Hopkins Jr. , was killed by the Prince George’s Police Department nearly 20 years ago. I am saddened that the same type of senseless killings are still occurring with little or no accountability and no transparency from those we pay to protect and to serve us. Systemic racism runs deep in the veins of our police forces. How many headlines can we afford to see?

The lack of accountability is just one of the vehicles that drive the needless killings of black and brown people. Last month, Leonard Shand answered with his life.

We must say his name: Leonard Shand.

Read the full Op-Ed on The Washington Post.