Real-Time Evidence Preservation
Capture audio and video as it happens, with GPS-stamped, timestamped context, stored encrypted and available to you whenever you need it.
The History of MyRights2Know
In the summer of 2018, I found myself increasingly frustrated by the news stories about interactions between African Americans and the police that tragically resulted in the deaths of American citizens. As a young Black boy, my mother had "The Talk" with me—a conversation that, though frustrating to hear, was meant to ensure my survival and safe return home. She emphasized the importance of saying "Yes Sir," avoiding sudden movements, keeping my hands out of my pockets, and maintaining eye contact. Her tone was a mix of firmness and fear, impressing upon me the gravity of following her instructions. I questioned why I had to be the adult in situations where I had done nothing wrong, but her response was clear: "Listen to me, it doesn't matter how they act towards you, just stay calm and don’t give them any additional reason to do anything more to you."
Like millions of Black boys before and after me, that talk changed how I viewed the world. I no longer saw the police as the friendly figures from TV shows like "Leave it to Beaver" or "Sheriff Andy." Instead, I experienced my first real fear—not of doing something wrong, but of being perceived as doing something wrong and facing potentially deadly consequences. The 2012 killing of a young Black boy walking home in a hoodie brought me back to that fear. This time, I was grown, strong, and angry. The words of our President, who said, "That could have been my son, that could have been me," gave me hope, but the lack of justice for Trayvon Martin left me disheartened.
The 2014 killing of Eric Garner for selling cigarettes, and the 2016 shooting of a 32-year-old African American father during a traffic stop, further fueled my anger, pain, and fear. I questioned what I could do to stop these injustices. The 2018 killings of Stephon Clark and Botham Jean by police officers were the final straws. After wiping away my tears and finding solace in prayer, I knew I had to act. That fall, MyRights2Know was born. I was determined to find a way to provide people with their legal rights so they could fight back.
I began researching laws and technology platforms, but found nothing that met my needs. Despite my small savings and the limitations of current technology, I pressed on. However, after exhausting my funds, I had to shelve the idea. In May 2020, amidst a global pandemic, the killing of George Floyd reignited my fury. This time, the world saw the undeniable truth. I knew MyRights2Know could have saved George. That summer, between Zoom check-ins with friends and bike rides, I resumed my work. I also built a boutique agency to partner with small businesses, focusing on diversity and early career programs. Despite my professional success, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't fulfilling my true calling.
By 2024, technology, my finances, and my determination aligned. Thanks to advancements in AI, I could accelerate my learning curve and access data I had only dreamed of in 2018. In the spring of 2025, as Americans faced renewed attacks and the rule of law was tested, the need for knowledge of one's rights became more critical than ever. Today, MyRights2Know empowers individuals with real-time legal information, audio and video recording capabilities, and monitoring and alert features for parents and loved ones. Legal Aid Partners can access vital information quickly and assist in live interactions. MyRights2Know stands as a shield and a megaphone—arming people with the power to record, to be heard, and to stand on the side of truth in every critical moment. In a world where knowledge can mean survival, we exist so that no one has to face injustice alone.
— Stephen Williams, Founder & CEO