Campaign Zero

Campaign Zero

Campaign Zero is a police reform campaign launched in 2015 by DeRay Mckesson, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, and Samuel Sinyangwe in response to the Ferguson unrest and the broader Black Lives Matter movement. The campaign aims to end police violence in the United States through policy reforms and community engagement. By advocating for specific policy changes, Campaign Zero seeks to address the systemic issues that contribute to police brutality and racial disparities in the US justice system. The campaign's efforts are closely tied to the US Civil Rights Movement, building on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders who fought for racial equality and justice.

● Introduction to

Campaign Zero Campaign Zero is a data-driven initiative that uses research and policy analysis to inform its advocacy efforts. The campaign's website provides a comprehensive platform for tracking police violence and advocating for policy reforms at the local, state, and federal levels. By leveraging social media and online activism, Campaign Zero has mobilized a large following and influenced the national conversation on police reform. The campaign's work is closely aligned with other organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which have long been involved in efforts to address police brutality and racial injustice.

● History and Founding

The founding of Campaign Zero was a response to the death of Michael Brown and the subsequent Ferguson protests, which highlighted the need for systemic reforms to address police violence and racial disparities. The campaign's founders, DeRay Mckesson, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, and Samuel Sinyangwe, were all actively involved in the Black Lives Matter movement and recognized the need for a more focused effort on police reform. With the support of organizations like ColorOfChange and The Justice League NYC, Campaign Zero launched its policy platform and began advocating for reforms at the local and national levels. The campaign's early work was influenced by the research and advocacy of scholars like Michelle Alexander and Angela Davis, who have written extensively on issues of racial justice and police brutality.

● Policy Demands and Reforms

Campaign Zero's policy platform is centered on ten key demands, including community oversight of police departments, body cameras for all police officers, and an end to broken windows policing. The campaign also advocates for reforms to address racial profiling, police militarization, and the school-to-prison pipeline. By pushing for these reforms, Campaign Zero seeks to reduce police violence and improve community trust in law enforcement. The campaign's policy work is informed by research from institutions like the Urban Institute and the National Institute of Justice, which have studied the effectiveness of various police reform strategies. Campaign Zero has also collaborated with lawmakers like Senator Cory Booker and Representative Karen Bass to advance police reform legislation at the federal level.

● Connection to

the US Civil Rights Movement Campaign Zero's work is deeply rooted in the legacy of the US Civil Rights Movement, which fought to end segregation, voting suppression, and other forms of racial injustice. The campaign's advocacy for police reform and racial justice is a continuation of the efforts of civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. By building on this legacy, Campaign Zero seeks to address the ongoing struggles faced by African American communities and other marginalized groups. The campaign's work is also informed by the research and advocacy of organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, which have long been involved in efforts to address racial injustice and promote human rights.

● Notable Actions and Protests

Campaign Zero has been involved in several notable actions and protests, including the Ferguson protests and the Baltimore protests following the death of Freddie Gray. The campaign has also organized die-ins and other forms of nonviolent resistance to draw attention to police violence and advocate for reform. In 2015, Campaign Zero launched a national tour to promote its policy platform and build support for police reform. The campaign has also collaborated with other organizations, such as Black Lives Matter and The Movement for Black Lives, to coordinate national actions and protests. Through these efforts, Campaign Zero has helped to mobilize a new generation of activists and advocates for racial justice and police reform.

● Impact and Criticisms

Campaign Zero's efforts have had a significant impact on the national conversation around police reform and racial justice. The campaign's policy platform has influenced reforms at the local and national levels, and its advocacy has helped to mobilize a large following of supporters. However, the campaign has also faced criticisms from some who argue that its approach is too focused on reformism and does not adequately address the deeper structural issues that contribute to police violence and racial injustice. Others have criticized the campaign's reliance on social media and online activism, arguing that these tactics are insufficient for achieving meaningful change. Despite these criticisms, Campaign Zero remains a prominent voice in the movement for police reform and racial justice, and its work continues to influence the national conversation on these issues.

● Key Figures and Organizations

Campaign Zero's work is supported by a range of key figures and organizations, including DeRay Mckesson, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, and Samuel Sinyangwe. The campaign has also collaborated with organizations like ColorOfChange, The Justice League NYC, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Other notable figures who have supported Campaign Zero's work include Angela Davis, Michelle Alexander, and Senator Cory Booker. The campaign's efforts are also informed by research from institutions like the Urban Institute and the National Institute of Justice, which have studied the effectiveness of various police reform strategies. Through its partnerships with these organizations and individuals, Campaign Zero is helping to build a broader movement for police reform and racial justice in the United States.