Kim Kardashian speaks out on the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile

Kim Kardashian has opened up about her fears for her children growing up black. Photo / AP

Kim Kardashian West fears her children will grow up thinking that "their lives don't matter".

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star penned an emotional essay in response to the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile and admitted she fears for the future of her kids, North, three, and seven-month-old Saint.

She shared: "This week we watched Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, two innocent black men, get senselessly murdered by police officers. Like a lot of you guys, I watched the videos, and was appalled and completely heartbroken. I was left speechless, angry and numb.

"I want my children to grow up knowing that their lives matter. I do not ever want to have to teach my son to be scared of the police, or tell him that he has to watch his back because the people we are told to trust - the people who "protect and serve" - may not be protecting and serving him because of the colour of his skin."

View this post on Instagram

SAINT WEST

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Feb 22, 2016 at 8:57am PST

And the 35-year-old television personality - who is married to Kanye West - went on to urge people to "peacefully use the power of our voices" to make a change.

Writing on her official website, she continued: "The last thing we need is to fuel anger with more hate or violence, especially toward the many incredible police officers who risk their lives every single day to protect our families and communities. We must peacefully use the power of our voices and the strength of our numbers to demand changes in the judicial system so that brutality doesn't ever go unpunished.

"It is our responsibility as Americans and as parents to create a safe future for our children. We must do something now. We must speak up until we are heard and real, effective changes are made.

"Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Freddie Gray, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Sean Bell ... and unfortunately so many more. Hashtags are not enough. This must end now."