Rule 01.
Don’t Play With Toy Guns
Listen To This Rule
Narrated by Alex Pierce
Young Black boys are more likely to be profiled as holding a real one.
Cops vs. robbers. Good guys vs. bad guys. Soldiers vs. soldiers. These are make-believe games that are seemingly a part of every young boy’s life in America. But today, the unfortunate reality is that young Black boys playing with
toy guns
Tamir Rice
Twelve-year-old Tamir Rice was shot and killed by police in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 22, 2014. The police officer said he thought his fake toy gun was a real gun.
Isaiah Elliott
On August 21, 2020, 12-year-old Isaiah Elliott was reported to authorities for playing with a toy Nerf gun during a remote-learning art class.
Let’s Erase this Rule
Here are some resources for you to educate yourself and inspire action.
BBC 2014 report of Tamir Rice shooting
Equal Justice Initiative, Black Children Are Six Times More Likely to Be Shot to Death by Police
Black Parents Explain How to Deal With the Police
ACLU’s Tamir Rice Safety Handbook for students on what to do if you are stopped by the police
UCLA, Transforming Perception: Black Men and Boys
Journal of Personality and Social Science, The Essence of Innocence: Consequences of Dehumanizing Black Children
Remembering Tamir Rice
Samaria Rice Reflects in 2020 on Her Son Who Was Shot by a Police Officer in 2014
Objects of Care: Material Memorial for Tamir Rice
Support the ACLU and Their Campaign Against Racial Profiling Which Includes Representation for Victims of Racial Profiling, Public Education, and Advocacy for Anti-Profiling Legislation
Contribute to the Tamir Rice Foundation
Mothers Against Police Brutality
Support the Leadership Conference and Power the Fight for Civil and Human Rights
The Movement for Black Lives
Campaign Zero, We Can End Police Violence in America
Advancement Project, The Change We Need
Dream Defenders, Defund Police and Rebuild Our Communities
Blacklivesmatter.com, Fund the Movement
Nix The Six: Police Unions Have Too Much Power
Justice for Tamir Rice
Enough! Justice for John Crawford, Tamir Rice, Tanisha Anderson & an End to OH Police Violence
The Movement for Black Lives
Justice for Tamir Rice
The Path to Justice, Commit to Support Policies That End Police Violence and Create Accountability
Demand the DOJ Investigate Police Killings and Harassment of African Americans
State of Emergency: End the War on Black People
Blacklivesmatter.com, #DefundThePolice and Rebuild Our Communities
End Racial Profiling
End the Culture of Warrior Profiling
Antiracist Resources and Reads; Lists for All Ages
Join Color of Change
7 Ways You Can Take Action for Racial Justice Now
Center for Policing Equity, How to Get Involved
Take Action with ACLU
Join Campaign Zero and Help End Police Violence in America
New Era of Public Safety: A Guide to Fair, Safe, and Effective Community Policing (Handbook & Toolkit)
The Reimagining Policing Pledge for Mayors
Dreamdefenders.org: Defund Police, Rebuild Our Communities Toolkit
Nix The Six: Police Unions Have Too Much Power
Share on Your Social
Support the cause and empower others by downloading and sharing our rule cards. Be sure to tag @unwrittenrulesproject on Instagram and use the hashtag #erasetherules.
