The recent shootings of police officers and black males has caused a nationwide uproar, perhaps rightfully so.

My adopted home of Rochester (NY) is one of the most violent cities in NY state. Killings are a weekly affair in Rochester, mostly black males killing other black males. 

It’s depressing, it’s maddening, it’s incomprehensible. 

Sometimes after a shooting a few people will get on TV and declare that it has to stop, but nobody says much. The killing continues unabated. 

This past weekend there was a huge protest in Rochester for Black Lives Matter, 70+ people were arrested. Streets were blocked off. It wasn’t necessarily violent, but it was surprising to see all those people out protesting something that happened far from here. 

Why aren’t there massive protests when local people are killed every week? Why won’t people stand up and get involved and root out the problem? 

People certainly have the right to protest, and we all have a reason to be angry and frustrated with recent events, but sometimes it seems that we forget that we can make an impact locally. 

After the protests are over what will change? Will we make it through the coming week without another killing in Rochester?

When the next life is taken for no reason will anyone protest? Will anyone except the victim’s family even care?