Chance the Rapper Says Celebrities Have A "Responsibility" to Condemn Police Brutality

(By: Chris Riotta 08.23.16 for Mic.com)

Chance the Rapper took to Twitter to address false reports he would be headlining ESPN's race forum. The Chicago rapper clarified he will not be involved in the event, but he seized the moment of confusion to offer his thoughts on race relations in the United States. He detailed the responsibilities he believes people at all levels of power have in dealing with police brutality, from first responders to celebrities like himself.

"It is the responsibility of our court systems to fully represent & work for The People in all cases of murder," Chance wrote. "It is the responsibility of all media outlets to correctly label all killings by first responders as what they are: Murders."

The powerful message comes during an ongoing conversation in the United States surrounding Black Lives Matter, police tensions and race relations. Thevideotaped shootings of two black men, Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, at the hands of police sent shockwaves throughout the nation, as communities across the U.S. protested and demanded justice for their killings.

"It is the responsibility of all first responders to deescalate unlawful situations and restore peace without committing murder," Chance continued. "And it is the responsibility of athletes and celebrities to say all that out loud whether at a forum, on Twitter or at work."