Parents Of Botham Jean Speak Out In PSA To Call For Change
In a new PSA produced by Roc Nation and the NFL, the parents of Botham Jean — the unarmed Dallas man killed in his home by an off-duty police officer — are opening up about his life and sharing the important message that police shouldn’t assume “our black boys” are threats.
RELATED: Charges Dismissed Against The City Of Dallas For Botham Jean Murder
The PSA is narrated by Jean’s mother, Allison Jean, his sister, Alissa Findley, and also features his father, Bertram Jean. The video show pictures of beloved Botham growing up while the family shares memories of him along with a message about racial justice, unity, and forgiveness.
“I’m thankful that the NFL created this PSA to honor Botham’s legacy and deliver an important message about empathy and unity,” his sister Findley told ABC News in a statement. “I truly hope that our society learns from Botham’s story — and the stories of many others — so we can make a lasting change in this world. Together, we must all set a better example for future generations and leaders.” She went on to say, “The color of my skin can be perceived as a weapon and it’s not. What has happened to Botham should not happen to another family,” Findley said.
Botham’s mother added, “What I hope to see happening is that our black boys are not seen as a threat,” Allison Jean says in the PSA.
The former cop, Amber Guyger was sentenced to 10 years in prison in October and could be eligible for parole in five years for killing Jean. As we previously reported, she claimed that she thought she was in her apartment at the time and shot Jean while thinking he was an intruder. Although she was given some time in jail, the verdict was still a disappointment to some of Jean’s family members at the trial.
“The launch serves as the third PSA of The Responsibility Program, a joint initiative between Roc Nation and the NFL to unveil PSAs that raise awareness about the need to come together to create change in our communities and respect one another,” according to information provided by the NFL to ABC News.
Press Play Below For More:
RELATED: Botham Jean’s Father Says He Would Like To Be Amber Guyger’s ‘Friend At Some Point’