NO JUSTICE NO PEACE
By: Zoe Whitten
Lets Talk.
It is evident that the year 2020 has been filled with world-shifting events. This year has sickened, killed, and racially separated people in America. 2020 has been a year of sadness, hate, and violence. So let’s talk… How would you feel if it was you or someone you knew? Why do the police target African Americans? Why are African Americans discriminated against when working in certain career fields? Why are African Americans put down because of how they wear their hair, the way they dress, or their dialect? Today I will address the controversial topics of Black Lives Matter, racial discrimination, police brutality and the hardship families have had to face over the years.
I want to start by acknowledging the Black Lives Matter Movement. Black Lives Matter (BLM) was founded in the year of 2013 after the tragic killing of Trayvon Martin. Black Lives Matter is a decentralized political and social movement advocating for non-violent protest against police brutality incidents and all racially motivated violence against black people. Black Lives Matter has impacted African American communities nationwide. Black Lives Matter has brought the African American community together bringing awareness to the people who have lost their lives due to racial discrimination. BLM advocates for the seeking justices and bringing peace mending families who have lost their loved ones. Black Lives Matter is a global organization ranging from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
So lets talk. How would you feel if it was you or someone you loved?
Over the past ten years and even today, African American people have been killed due to violent racial acts of police brutality. These senseless killings have affected the mindset of many African American parents who fear for the lives of their children. These killings have affected the way people interact with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Even now, African Americans are still fighting for justice for those who have lost their lives due to heinous acts of police brutality. Society is no longer is waiting on justice to be served: they are demanding justice and equality by engaging in protests. I have witnessed love ones and friends suffer physically, mentally, and financially. Black Lives matter has mended and changed the lives of families who have lost loved ones to police brutality and racial profiling. Why is it that Black mothers have to be afraid that their son will become victims of police brutality? Why are people getting offended by the Black Lives Matter chants? Yes, black people are tired of losing people due to the senseless killings of police officers who are supposed to protect and honor the lives of ALL American citizens. Black people aren’t angry; we are tired of being mistreated and feeling judged. The leading causes of police brutality stems from racism. Racism seems like the topic of discussion in today’s society as it surrounds the unfortunate deaths of African Americans. These acts of heinous brutality can be defined as racial discrimination. Racial discrimination and police brutality go hand and hand when it pertains to why African American people are being killed by law enforcement. Racial discrimination is when one person treats someone in a unfavorable manner because he/ she is Black. Racial discrimination is considered unjust and prejudicial treatment. When it pertains to police brutality and racial discrimination. People from around the world have supported the Black Lives Movement, while some disagree with the movement. Is it racist when someone says Black Lives Don’t Matter in front of people who are crying out for justice by the court system? Was it racist when George Floyd was unconscious and died on the scene while a white officers knee was kneeled on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Is it racist that officers didn’t intervene to help while Floyd stated to officers ” I CAN’T BREATHE”? What if that same person on the ground with someone’s knee in their neck was YOU? Sometimes people don’t understand the reality of a situation until it happens to some they love or know. The harsh reality for black people is they will never seek justice for their loved ones without the help of the community, activist, and protester. So many killing and police brutality incidents go unsolved, and families never receiving justice.
WE protest to be HEARD.
WE protest to bring AWARENESS.
WE protest because we are SCARED
WE protest because we are ANGRY
WE protest to put a STOP to RACISM.
SAY THEIR NAME
Between 2014 and 2019 their has been over 6,557 people killed by police officers. Even after the traumatic deaths of ERIC GARNER, JOHN CRAWFORD, MICHEAL BROWN, EZELL FORD, DANTE PARKER, MICHELEE CUSSEAUX, LAQUAN MCDONALD, GEORGE MANN, TANISHA ANDERSON, AKAI, GURRLEY, TAMIR RICE, RUMAIN BRIBSON, JERAME REUDES, MTTHEW AJIBADE, FRANK SMART, NATASHA MCKENNA, TONY ROBINSON, ANTHONY HILL, MYA HALL, PHILLIP WHITE, ERIC, HARRIS, WALTER SCOTT, WILLIAM CHAPMAN II,ALAEXIA CHRISTIAN, BRENDON GLENN, VICTOR MANUEL LAROSA, JONATHAN SANDERS, FREDDIE GRAY, JOSEPH DAVIS, DARRIUS STEWART, BILL RAY DAVIS, SAMUEL DUBOSE,MICHEAL SABBIE, BRIAN KEITH DAY, CHRISTTIAN TAYLOR, TROYROBINSON , ASSHAMS PHAROAH MANLEY, FELIX KUMI,KEITH HARRISON MCLEOD, JUNIOR PROSPER, LAMONTEZ JONES, PATERSON BROWN, DOMINIC HUTCHINSON, ANTHONY ASHFORD, ALONZO SMITH, TYREE CRAWFORS , INDIA KAGER, LA’VANTE BIGGS, MICHEAL LEE MARSHALL, JAMAR CLARK, RICHARD PERKINS,NATHANIEL HARRIS PICKETT, BENNI LEE TIGNOR, MIGUEL ESPINAL,MICHEAL NOEL, KEVIN MATTHEWS, BETTIE JONES,QUINTONIO SCOTT, WENDELL CELESTINE, DAVIS JOSEPH, CALIN ROQUEMORE,DYZHAWN PERKINS, CHRISTOPHER DAVIS, MARCO LOUD, PETER GAINES, TORREY ROBBINSON, DARIUS ROBINSON, KEVIN HICKS, MARY TRUXILLO, DEMARCUS SEMER, WILLIE TILLMAN, TERRILL THOMAS, SYVILLE SMITH, ALTON STERLING, PHILANDO CASTILE, TERENCE CRUTCHER, PAUL O’NEAL, ALTERIA WOOD, JORDAN EDWARDS, AARON BAILEY,RONELL FOSTER, STEPHON CLARK, ANTOWN ROSE II, BOTHAM JEAN, PAMELA TURNER, DOMINQUE CLAYTON ,ATATIANA JERFFERSON, CHRISTPHER WHITEFIELD, CHRISTOPHER MCCORVEY, ERIC REASON, MICHEAL LORENSO DEAN, GEORGE FLOYD, AND BREONNA TAYLOR.
SAY THEIR NAME
SAY THEIR NAME
More and more African Americans are becoming victims of police brutality and racial discrimination. People in the African American community are afraid to go to certain areas because of racial discrimination against blacks. I have witnessed my friends explain how they have experienced or lost love ones due to police killing. I have witness people be afraid to go to certain areas because of racial discrimination from police officers. Unfortunately, kids in this generation are growing up disliking and fearing police officers. Unfortunately, we have to teach our young black children that they can’t live freely or be themselves with people treating them as lesser than. Honestly, it hurts personally to see the lives taken from these racially and hateful acts of police brutality. Even though I didn’t know these people personally, the bigger picture is one day; this can be me or someone I know. These victims will never see the day to tell their side of the story and express what took place during the time of the incident; they will never have the chance to say I Love You to family members or even prepare for the harsh and traumatic reality they are about to face. These victims are why the reason why I want to make a change in the world; these victims are the reason why I continue to be active within my community, these victims the reason I continue to strive for excellence; these victims are the reason why I never let anyone belittle me because of my skin color. It is time to put an end to racism, police brutality, and racial discrimination. This year has caused sickness, death, and separation amongst people. It is time to regain the strength we need to carry on and continue fighting against the evil that is thrown upon us. It is time to work together and fight to receive justice for the African Americans who were killed. It is time for people to realize that the world is made of different races, cultures, ethnicities, and religions that share differences others may not agree with, but it is not acceptable for us to judge, discriminate, or dislike them because you do not agree with their lifestyle. Lastly, I would like to commemorate the people who have lost their life due to police brutality, racial discrimination, and racism ERIC GARNER, JOHN CRAWFORD, MICHEAL BROWN, EZELL FORD, DANTE PARKER, MICHELEE CUSSEAUX, LAQUAN MCDONALD, GEORGE MANN, TANISHA ANDERSON, AKAI, GURRLEY, TAMIR RICE, RUMAIN BRIBSON, JERAME REUDES, MTTHEW AJIBADE, FRANK SMART, NATASHA MCKENNA, TONY ROBINSON, ANTHONY HILL, MYA HALL, PHILLIP WHITE, ERIC, HARRIS, WALTER SCOTT, WILLIAM CHAPMAN II,ALAEXIA CHRISTIAN, BRENDON GLENN, VICTOR MANUEL LAROSA, JONATHAN SANDERS, FREDDIE GRAY, JOSEPH DAVIS, DARRIUS STEWART, BILL RAY DAVIS, SAMUEL DUBOSE,MICHEAL SABBIE, BRIAN KEITH DAY, CHRISTTIAN TAYLOR, TROYROBINSON , ASSHAMS PHAROAH MANLEY, FELIX KUMI,KEITH HARRISON MCLEOD, JUNIOR PROSPER, LAMONTEZ JONES, PATERSON BROWN, DOMINIC HUTCHINSON, ANTHONY ASHFORD, ALONZO SMITH, TYREE CRAWFORS , INDIA KAGER, LA’VANTE BIGGS, MICHEAL LEE MARSHALL, JAMAR CLARK, RICHARD PERKINS,NATHANIEL HARRIS PICKETT, BENNI LEE TIGNOR, MIGUEL ESPINAL,MICHEAL NOEL, KEVIN MATTHEWS, BETTIE JONES,QUINTONIO SCOTT, WENDELL CELESTINE, DAVIS JOSEPH, CALIN ROQUEMORE,DYZHAWN PERKINS, CHRISTOPHER DAVIS, MARCO LOUD, PETER GAINES, TORREY ROBBINSON, DARIUS ROBINSON, KEVIN HICKS, MARY TRUXILLO, DEMARCUS SEMER, WILLIE TILLMAN, TERRILL THOMAS, SYVILLE SMITH, ALTON STERLING, PHILANDO CASTILE, TERENCE CRUTCHER, PAUL O’NEAL, ALTERIA WOOD, JORDAN EDWARDS, AARON BAILEY,RONELL FOSTER, STEPHON CLARK, ANTOWN ROSE II, BOTHAM JEAN, PAMELA TURNER, DOMINQUE CLAYTON ,ATATIANA JERFFERSON, CHRISTPHER WHITEFIELD, CHRISTOPHER MCCORVEY, ERIC REASON, MICHEAL LORENSO DEAN, GEORGE FLOYD, AND BREONNA TAYLOR. SAY THEIR NAMES !!!!
