The way you speak should not determine your intelligence. I should be able to say 'lit,' and you still know I'm intelligent. I should be able to say 'turn up,' and that doesn't take away from my intelligence. I wanted to break down that stereotype a little bit.

I think the more we see more officers holding each other accountable, the more we will see people trust cops in this country.

From my anger, frustration, and hurt, I wrote the short story that would later become 'The Hate U Give.'