Beyoncé Pens Open Letter Urging End to Police Violence, Dedicates Moment of Silence to Victims

Fatal shootings of black civilians by police made headlines this week and Beyoncé is making sure her voice is heard. On Thursday, the singer shared an emotional letter on her website, urging citizens to speak out against injustice and to contact local politicians and lawmakers to demand change.

“We all have the power to channel our anger and frustration into action. We must use our voices to contact the politicians and legislators in our districts and demand social and judicial changes,” she wrote.

“We are sick and tired of the killings of young men and women in our communities. It is up to us to take a stand and demand that they ‘stop killing us,’” Beyoncé wrote on her site. “This is a human fight. No matter your race, gender or sexual orientation. This is a fight for anyone who feels marginalized, who is struggling for freedom and human rights.”

The 34-year-old singer also used her platform to honor the fallen victims of police violence of years past. During her Formation World Tour concert in Glasgow Thursday, she reportedly asked fans to participate in a moment of silence for Sterling, Castile, and “countless others.” Before performing a slower version of her song “Freedom,” Beyoncé projected the names of victims on a stories-high, cube-shaped screen that regularly lights her stage.

Watch fan footage from the concert here:

Read Beyoncé's full letter below: