Alicia Keys on Breonna Taylor and Eradicating Police Brutality: "We Do Wield the Power"

Alicia Keys has been outspoken about the effects of police brutality on the Black community, and in a recent interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, she encouraged her fans to take action. "It's devastating, obviously," Keys said in regard to the Breonna Taylor case, for which no officers were charged with Taylor's killing. "I mean, we all can see [police brutality], no matter where we live, no matter how we grew up . . . You know, this is not the way it's supposed to be and we will not accept it anymore . . . I'll be honest. I'm disappointed. I'm very disappointed; I'm frustrated; I think we all are. It's just enough with the actions that are never held accountable. It's just enough, you know?"

When asked about the meaning behind her new song, "Perfect Way to Die," which is inspired by those who died at the hands of police officers, Keys said, "There is no perfect way to die, and definitely not at the hands of police brutality." She went on to add that putting conversations about police brutality at the forefront is a crucial step in making the necessary shifts and changes toward racial justice. "How do we want to show up for ourselves? For our communities? What do we want to demand from our country?" she said.

Keys added that it's inspiring to see people all across the world using their voices to speak up and speak loudly about the devastating effects of police brutality, and it's important to remember that we have the power to incite change. "We think this unseen government kind of does everything and we have no control over it," Keys said. "Sometimes it can feel like that, but we do have the power; we do wield the power. So I do feel inspired to continue going, but I do feel disappointed that more justice wasn't [done] for Breonna and for all of the people who have lost their lives."

Find out more about how you can take a stand against police brutality.