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Tamir Rice's Mother Speaks at Kent State University May 4th Commemoration

Samaria Rice speaking at Kent State University's May 4th commemoration. (Credit: Darrielle Snipes/ideastream)

Tamir Rice's mother is asking people from all walks of life to stop racism and help end police officers’ use of excessive force. Samaria Rice spoke today/Wednesday at the annual Kent State University May 4 th  commemoration of the 1970 shooting of students during a protest against the Vietnam War by the Ohio National Guard. ideastream's Darrielle Snipes has more.

 

A bell was rung at the exact time 46 years ago when Ohio National guardsmen shot into a crowd of Kent State University students. Four students lost their lives.

Samaria Rice says she knows the pain those families still go through fighting for justice.

Her son, Tamir was playing with a pellet gun when he was fatally shot by Cleveland Police officer in 2014.

Rice says people should be able to exercise their first amendment right or go play in a park without the fear of police using deadly force.

"At this point it don't matter what race you are,” Rice said.  “I just know when it comes to black and minorities it is too much killing period. And I am here to see if I can change some laws.  So we can be safe. “

Last Week, The city of Cleveland reached a six million dollar settlement with the Rice family.

Rice says she wants to start a foundation in her son's name.

The theme for this year’s Kent State May 4 th commemoration was Black Lives Matter.