“When will it become a crime in America…?”

…and when will they finally see us as human and stop killing us?

1979 billboard by Cleveland businessman, Winston E. Willis

With this bold and controversial billboard statement on the corner of his popular business strip on 105th St. and Euclid Avenue, African-American businessman- real estate developer, Winston E. Willis expressed his outrage at the brutal murder by Cleveland police of another unarmed young black man. The billboard, one of several on the volatile subject exposing systemic racism in his community, infuriated law enforcement and the local judiciary and sent them into a rage. Adding fuel to the racially motivated conspiracy that led to the complete theft and destruction of Willis’ entire business empire. The painful irony is that the billboard bears uniquely tragic relevance today. Repeating Willis’ question: “When will become a crime in America?” And when will they finally see us as human and stop killing us?