Rally Seeks Justice for Fatal Police Shooting of Stephon Clark

Protests continued Saturday in Sacramento following the fatal police shooting of 22-year-old Stephon Clark on March 18, 2018. Clark was unarmed when he was shot in the back six times by two Sacramento police officers.

At Cesar Chavez plaza in Downtown Sacramento, hundreds gathered to hear from Stephon Clark’s family, church leaders, activists and former Sacramento Kings basketball player Matt Barnes.

“I got two 9-year-old boys who look just like this and I fear for them,” Barnes said. “These people out here supposed to be out here protecting and serving, and they’re playing judge, jury and executioner.”

Barnes also announced he is setting up a college fund for Clark’s two young sons.

People chanted “No Justice, No Peace” and “Say His Name” throughout the rally.

The overwhelming message of the rally was that even when media attention fades from Clark’s death, the community and his family will keep pushing for police reforms.

“Let’s take our outrage, but let’s use it for something positive,” said one of Clark’s family members at the rally who did not identify herself. “He will not be another name added to a list. We are too strong, and too united and it is time for things to change.”

Proposed reforms include independent investigations of officer involved shootings and more neighborhood foot patrols.

Clark’s two young sons also got up to the podium.

“Love you dad,” they said.

Earlier in the day a separate event nearby, which was planned before the shooting to honor Cesar Chavez, also turned its attention to Clark.

Speakers shouted “Viva Stephon Clark!”

Fiorella Lema was there and said police profiling and brutality affects all people of color, but especially young African American men.

“That’s what I’m getting from this event, me personally, is like me feeling like I have people who have my back,” Lema said. “I have comrades that are going to be out there fighting in the streets in case anything happens to me or another member of my community."