On Tuesday, this man, 37-year-old Alton Sterling, was shot and killed during an altercation with police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Many celebrities have since taken to social media to share their thoughts on the killing.
#AltonSterling Kill, Rinse, Repeat ...
1. Alton Sterling was killed because we refuse to acknowledge the fact that our police forces protect selectively and harm enormously.
1) In the interest of time, would ye noble patriots please provide a list of infractions punishable by spontaneous public execution? Thanks!
THESE KILLINGS MUST STOP #AltonSterling
And now Drake has written an emotional open letter revealing his horror at "this cycle of violence".
The poignant note reads in full:
I am grateful to be able to call America my second home. Last night when I saw the video of Alton Sterling being killed it left me feeling disheartened, emotional and truly scared. I woke up this morning with a strong need to say something.
It’s impossible to ignore that the relationship between black and brown communities and law enforcement remains as strained as it was decades ago. No one begins their life as a hashtag. Yet the trend of being reduced to one continues.
This is real and I’m concerned. Concerned for the safety of my family, my friends and any human being that could fall victim to this pattern. I do not know the answer. But I believe things can change for the better. Open and honest dialogue is the first step.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Sterling family and any family that has lost someone to this cycle of violence.
Be safe out there. More life.