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Kerr Remembers Jamar Clark, Calls for Systemic Change

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 0:44 GMT by NBC 10 Philadelphia
      Locales: Minnesota, California, UNITED STATES

San Francisco, CA - February 18, 2026 - Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr used his platform Wednesday to commemorate the eight-year anniversary of the shooting of Jamar Clark in Minneapolis, delivering a powerfully emotional pre-game address and reiterating his long-standing call for systemic change in the face of persistent gun violence and police brutality. Speaking to reporters before the Warriors' game against the Houston Rockets, Kerr expressed deep frustration at the lack of meaningful progress in addressing these critical issues.

Clark, a 24-year-old Black man, was shot by Minneapolis police officers on November 15, 2015, and died the following day. The shooting, and the subsequent protests and legal battles, became a focal point in the growing national conversation about police accountability and racial justice. Kerr's remembrance of Clark wasn't simply a moment of reflection, but a pointed reminder that eight years later, the victim's family remains without closure.

"I think of Jamar Clark's family and how they're still dealing with this," Kerr stated. "It's been eight years and they still don't have closure." This sentiment underscores a recurring theme in Kerr's advocacy: the enduring pain and trauma inflicted upon families and communities impacted by gun violence and police misconduct. It also highlights the often-glacial pace of justice in these cases, leaving loved ones in a perpetual state of grief and uncertainty.

Kerr's outspokenness on social and political issues is well-documented. He's consistently used his position as a prominent NBA coach to advocate for gun control and police reform, often at a time when many public figures remain silent. His willingness to speak truth to power stems, in part, from a deeply personal tragedy: the 2003 assassination of his father, Paul Kerr, while serving as president of the American University of Beirut. This loss instilled in him a profound understanding of the devastating consequences of gun violence.

However, Kerr's advocacy extends beyond gun control. He recognizes the intricate connection between gun violence and systemic issues within law enforcement. He has consistently called for comprehensive police reform, including increased accountability for misconduct, improved training, and a fundamental shift in the approach to community policing. This demand for accountability isn't about demonizing law enforcement officers, he emphasizes, but about ensuring that everyone is held to the same standard of justice.

"We can't just remember, we've got to act," Kerr implored. "We've got to hold people accountable. We've got to change systems. And it's on all of us." This call to action is a central tenet of his message - that addressing these problems requires a collective effort, not simply relying on lawmakers or activists.

Since 2015, the United States has continued to grapple with an epidemic of gun violence, with mass shootings becoming increasingly frequent. The issue has been further complicated by high-profile incidents of police brutality, captured on video and sparking nationwide protests. While some states and cities have implemented modest reforms, many advocates argue that these measures fall far short of what's needed to address the root causes of the problem.

Following the events in Minneapolis in 2015, several organizations dedicated to police reform and gun violence prevention were formed or gained prominence. Groups like Black Lives Matter, Everytown for Gun Safety, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) have played a crucial role in raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and providing support to affected communities. Kerr often amplifies these organizations' messages, encouraging fans and followers to get involved.

Kerr's continued commitment to these issues, even in the face of frustration and limited progress, serves as a powerful example of how prominent individuals can leverage their platforms to advocate for meaningful change. While the path forward remains challenging, his unwavering voice offers a glimmer of hope for a future where gun violence and police brutality are no longer defining features of American society. The Warriors coach knows that remembering tragedies like the shooting of Jamar Clark is only the first step; sustained action is essential to create a more just and equitable future for all.