The country was hit with more tragedy over the weekend as five Dallas police officers were shot and killed during a peaceful protest following the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile last week.
After the cellphone footage of Sterling and Castile being shot and killed by police officers went viral, protesters started gathering in cities across America.
By Thursday night, more than 800 people were peacefully marching throughout the downtown area of Dallas. There were nearly 100 police officers monitoring the protests when active sniper shooters starting releasing shots at the officers.
During the terror, 12 officers were shot and five of those hit were killed.
The terrible events that shook America over the past week ignited the need for change. As a result, people started standing up around the country to make their voices and actions known. Here are five awesome events that came out of these dark days.
1. Snoop Dogg and the Game Inspire Peaceful Protest in Los Angeles
The morning after the Dallas attacks, rappers the Game and Snoop Dogg called for a peaceful protest in front of the Los Angeles Police Department’s headquarters to “make the Californian government & it’s law branches aware that from today forward, we will be UNIFIED.” the Game was quoted as wanting to show support to the officers.
In the Game’s announcement, he urged, “Do not: bring any weapons or anything illegal. Do not come high or belligerent. We don’t need any HOT HEADS or anyone there for the wrong reasons . We will stand as we are, UNIFIED. I’m calling ALL GANGS, ALL RACES, ALL GROWN MEN affiliated or not & we will stand UNIFIED.”
2. The Game Starts GoFundMe Page for Police Officer Tommy Norman
The Game’s son Harlem found Officer Norman while searching for “good cops” and saw that he does a tremendous amount to help the black community in Arkansas. The Game wanted a way to help Norman with his efforts so he started up a GoFundMe Page.
“I was touched by how active [Norman] is in the Black community where he polices,” The Game wrote. “My son said, how does he help all of these kids & stuff, is he rich ??? I said I don’t know if he’s rich but sometimes it doesn’t take much to help those in need son…”
The page has already surpassed its $50K goal.
3. Dallas Officers Receive Hugs from Community
After the shootings, the city of Dallas held an interfaith service in Thanks-Giving Square Park on Friday (July 8). Hundreds of people packed into the park to pray with their community members and hear music and comments from leaders, including Police Chief David Brown.
After the service concluded, people lined up to give hugs to Dallas police officers to show their respect and support. The touching moment was captured in the video below:
4. Memorials in Dallas bring All Races Together
NPR reporter Sam Sanders was in Dallas to cover the aftermath of the shootings and uncovered the unity he witnessed first-hand between the people of the devastated city.
What I’ve seen in #Dallas https://t.co/aW6o2bEEmB
— Sam Sanders (@samsanders) July 9, 2016
In a tweet, Sanders wrote, “Whether it was the white man wiping away a black woman’s tears outside of a squad car. The multiracial crowds gathered to mourn, OR The Dallas police officers of ALL colors comforting people all over Dallas, there is a unity in this city that is not mirrored online. That said, everyone I’ve talked to is at a loss – for words, motives, & answers. Many told me that they just don’t know WHAT to feel.”
5. Stevie Wonder Urges Fans to Choose “Love Over Hate”
During his performance in Hyde Park for the British Summertime Festival on Sunday (July 10), the legendary singer told fans that in the aftermath of everything that occurred over the past week, they should choose “love over hate.”
“I encourage you to choose love over hate. It’s just that simple. Choose love over hate, right over wrong, kind over meanness. Hope over no hope at all,” Wonder said.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
Photo Credit: Instagram