And with that Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton launched a three-part townhall series on systemic racism and pathways to accountability.

It was a riveting conversation regarding gender injustice as seen through a woman’s perspective, and featured Sandra Bland’s sisters, Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly and State Rep. Gordon-Booth.

“Sandra Bland…Rekia Boyd…Breonna Taylor… they are so much more than a hashtag,” Stratton said.

Almost five years ago, Bland, 28,  was found hanging in her Texas jail cell for an alleged traffic violation; Eight years ago, Boyd, 22, was the victim of a Chicago off-duty, police officer’s bullet, and Taylor, 26,  was shot 10 times, in a mistaken identity shoot out by the Louisville Metro Kentucky police.

Bland’s sister Shante Needham talked about their new role, fighting to keep Sandra’s legacy alive and battling against police brutality.