Innovation Ohio · April 26, 2021

Desiree Tims Mourns Death of Ma’Khia Bryant, Calls for Meaningful Police Reform

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement mourning the death of 16 year-old Ma’Khia Bryant and renewing her call for police reform:

“It has been a week. Together, we have witnessed the deaths of too many Black Americans at the hands of police. Last week, it was Ma’Khia Bryant, who was just 16 years old. I continue praying for Ma’Khia’s family as the community comes together to mend our broken hearts. We can and must reimagine policing in America so bullets aren’t the first course of action.

“We hear this story way too often in city after city, state after state. Too many Americans are killed by police. And it hurts even more when it’s a child. We need accountability and justice for bad actors, but we also need to reimagine policing to prioritize de-escalation and community-based solutions. Lethal force must be an absolute last resort, not the first instinct.

“This is why we must come together and urge Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. I hope you will join me in asking Ohio’s congressional delegation to support this bill. It’s one of many innovative solutions that will help save lives. After all, our children’s futures depend on it.

“Take a moment today to think of Ma’Khia Bryant, her family, and the action we can take to do something bold.”