Black Mothers In Power Mourns the Death of Kadir Skinner and Calls for Transparency, Accountability, and Action
Published: July 2, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Black Mothers In Power Mourns the Death of Kadir Skinner and Calls for Transparency, Accountability, and Action
WILMINGTON, Del. - Black Mothers In Power (BMIP) is heartbroken by the death of 19-year-old Kadir Skinner following an officer-involved shooting in Wilmington.
We extend our deepest condolences to Kadir’s family, friends, classmates, and every member of our community mourning this devastating loss. No parent should ever have to bury their child. No family should have to plan a funeral instead of celebrating a future.
As an organization founded to protect Black mothers, Black children, and Black families, we know that incidents like this extend far beyond one family. They leave lasting trauma throughout an entire community. Every time another young Black life is lost, Black parents are forced to relive the fear that one day they may receive that same phone call.
We recognize that there is an active investigation underway, and we do not seek to prejudge its outcome. However, accountability and transparency are not mutually exclusive. The public deserves confidence that this investigation will be thorough, independent, and worthy of the community’s trust.
For too long, communities across this country have been asked to simply “trust the process.” Trust cannot be demanded - it must be earned.
Black Mothers In Power believes this tragedy also demands a broader conversation about the systems that shape public safety. Public safety is not measured solely by police budgets or enforcement strategies. It is built through investments in stable housing, quality education, maternal and infant health, accessible mental health services, violence prevention, economic opportunity, and meaningful community partnerships. Safe communities require more than policing - they require investment in people.
This tragedy should serve as a call to action, not another moment of grief followed by inaction.
Accordingly, Black Mothers In Power is calling for the following:
1. Immediate Implementation of an Independent External Assessment of the Wilmington Police Department
For years, community members and elected officials have called for an independent review of the Wilmington Police Department’s policies, procedures, training, accountability systems, community engagement practices, and use-of-force policies.
A comprehensive proposal for such an assessment already exists. The City has had the opportunity to review it, and it should be implemented without further delay.
2. Timely Release of Body-Worn Camera Footage
We are demanding the release of the body-worn camera footage as soon as it can legally be released without compromising the integrity of the investigation.
Transparency should be the rule - not the exception.
3. Completion of the Remaining Jeremy McDole Police Reform Recommendations
The death of Jeremy McDole prompted promises of reform in Wilmington. Many of those recommendations remain unfinished. We urge City leaders to complete the remaining reforms and publicly report on their implementation.
4. Meaningful Community Engagement
The voices of Kadir’s family, neighborhood residents, community organizations, faith leaders, and young people must be heard throughout this process. Public trust cannot be rebuilt without meaningful community participation.
Black Mothers In Power also calls upon the Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board to publicly support these demands and urge the Administration to move forward with the long-delayed external assessment of the Wilmington Police Department.
To Kadir’s family:
We grieve with you.
We mourn with you.
We stand with you.
We cannot begin to understand the depth of your pain, but we know that your loss is immeasurable. We pray for your strength, your comfort, and your healing in the difficult days ahead.
To our community:
Do not lose hope.
Continue demanding transparency.
Continue demanding accountability.
Continue demanding justice.
Change has never come because people remained silent.
It has always come because ordinary people refused to accept that tragedy was inevitable.
Black Mothers In Power remains committed to advocating for policies that protect Black families, promote community healing, and build systems rooted in dignity, equity, and accountability.
Because every child deserves to come home.
Media Contact:
Black Mothers In Power
Email: blackmothersinpower@gmail.com
Website: www.blackmothersinpower.org