Americans have taken to the streets in the millions in protest, and after more than a week of demonstrations that have spread to hundreds of communities, we’ve seen action: A law that would require police training in understanding implicit bias and how to de-escalate conflict sailed through the state Senate on a unanimous, bipartisan vote.

Detroit activist Teferi Brent challenges white protesters to go deeper, asking: “Are you going to tell me a black life doesn’t mean something unless the police take it?”

When seven black Detroit students realized that their only recourse was to sue the state, because their schools’ continuing deterioration under more than a decade of state oversight had left them without the wherewithal to become literate, we are telling them that their lives do not matter.

Very specifically, white children in certain neighborhoods, and certain districts, are valued more than black children,” said Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

The thousands marching can reach out to the lawmakers now willing to cast a vote for police reform, and insist that they take the next step to a more equitable Michigan by supporting black students.