“I don’t know how to live life without him” Family of Samuel Dajon Sterling Rally with Community Members to Demand Justice and Transparency

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            Author: Aly Bates // Family of Samuel Dajon Sterling during Saturday's rally Full event gallery

    Yesterday evening a somber yet powerful rally took place outside the Burger King on 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue, as community members stood in solidarity with the family of Samuel Dajon Sterling. A 25 year old father and rapper who tragically lost his life at the hands of an unknown Detective Sergeant of the Michigan State police this past Wednesday.

In an outpour of grief and an unwavering demand for justice, nearly 100 community members gathered just feet away from the area where Sterling’s life was cut short. The feeling of collective grief hovered over the event like a dark cloud, with many tears shed especially as family members bravely addressed the crowd. “I never could imagine losing my baby brother. Because now I don’t know how to go on. I don’t know how to live life without him, because we planned to live life together.” Shared Samuel’s older sister Mikeya Sterling.

Signs held by attendees consisted of powerful messages such as "Name that officer", "Release the video”, and "Charge the officer", serving as a visual representation of the community’s demands for accountability and transparency.

The rally, which lasted about two hours, featured Samuel’s music, performed under his stage name, 81SD, echoing through the crowd, allowing attendees to hear the art behind the life taken far too soon. “This could be anybody’s kid.”  remarked Sterling's mother, Andrica Cage. “Every time the police get a little badge they think they can destroy each and every one of us.” She continued. 

The tragic killing of Samuel Dajon Sterling serves as a harsh reminder of the systemic issues of police violence and racial injustice that plagues communities nationwide. Coming just two years after another police killing in West Michigan in recent years, Patrick Lyoya, a 26 year old Congolese refugee, this incident had left many community members frustrated as demands for accountability and changes within the local policing system had been made long before the killing of both men.

In wake of Sterling’s death many questions still remain in regards to the circumstances surrounding the incident and the actions of the officer involved. While the Director of the Michigan State Police, Col. James F. Grady II, has announced that an investigation into the incident will be conducted by officers of the Michigan State Police’s Fifth district. Despite the promise of the investigation being ‘thorough and objective’, community members made it clear that the idea of The Michigan State Police essentially investigating themselves is inherently unjust. 

As the fight continues, Sterling’s family plans to take their fight to Lansing, Michigan with more events to follow. 
Location: Kentwood, MI, USA

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