Members of the Young, Gifted and Black Coalition say they don't trust the American criminal justice system to defend black lives against racism and discriminatory policing.
Madison officer Matt Kenny shot and killed 19-year-old Tony Robinson, in early March. Callers had reported Robinson darting in traffic and assaulting a couple people. The officer eventually found him in a house; they struggled and Kenny fired the fatal shots.
The DA’s office continues to review the case, and prosecutors have also turned over the details to the Wisconsin Dept. of Justice.
Coalition spokesperson M Adams says it is asking the United Nations and the Organization of American States to review the killing of Robinson and the racial disparities that exist in Madison.
"Black people should not be just fighting for civil rights. Instead, we need to elevate and fight for human rights. We need to go to a higher law, a higher body, a higher court and to a bigger audience, in this case, not just the nation, but the entire world, to further the black struggle for justice in the U.S.," Adams said.
Several African American churches in Madison have held forums, to educate people about the law, and what it says about police use of force. Bishop Harold Rayford told the media that he hopes people come to understand why authorities might recommend charges or might not.
“My message is to get as much information as you can and ponder the information,” Rayford said.
Madison’s police chief has urged people not to leap to conclusions but to let the process work.