“Hey everyone, welcome. it’s important to address the tragic death of George Floyd. I’m sure many of us have witnessed the disturbing footage of George being killed on camera by the police. I won’t display the footage here as it’s too distressing, but it’s crucial to highlight the heinous actions of the police officer, Derek Chauvin. Chauvin callously pressed his knee against George’s neck for a harrowing nine minutes, depriving him of breath while George pleaded for his life. ‘I can’t breathe, help me,’ he cried out. Additionally, new footage revealed that two other officers, Thomas Lane and Jay Alexander, also restrained George, while a fourth officer, Tao, stood by and watched the tragedy unfold. These four officers bear responsibility for George Floyd’s death, yet only one has faced charges thus far. Chauvin has been taken into custody and charged with manslaughter and third-degree murder, but there remains a demand for the other three officers to be held accountable.”
For those unfamiliar with the events leading to George’s arrest and tragic death, it began with a routine purchase at Cup Foods, a local store. George Floyd made a transaction there, purportedly using a counterfeit bill. Though there were conflicting reports regarding the denomination of the bill, he was accused of forgery by a staff member who then called the police. The store’s handling of the situation raises concerns; instead of verifying the bill at the register, they opted to involve law enforcement.
As George waited outside in his truck, likely unaware of any wrongdoing, the police arrived and approached him. Despite his apparent cooperation, he was forcibly removed from his vehicle and restrained. Even though he posed no evident threat, one of the officers, Derek Chauvin, applied lethal pressure to his neck, leading to George’s death. Shockingly, other officers present failed to intervene, allowing the tragedy to unfold.
The Minneapolis Park Police Department released a heavily redacted bodycam footage, obscuring crucial details and leaving gaps in understanding. Witnesses who came forward unanimously described George’s death as intentional and unlawful, shedding light on the gravity of the situation.
“I witnessed him lying on the ground through my camera lens. [Music] [Music] They claimed he was resisting arrest. ‘But when they said “resisting arrest,” I told the officer, “He’s not resisting arrest. You have your knee on him, and he’s already handcuffed; he’s detained.”‘ Officer Tao retorted, ‘Well, that’s what drugs do to you.’ But that’s not true. Drugs don’t end lives, man. Someone chose to end that man’s life. I heard it, I felt it, it shook me. They didn’t say a word; it was the veins in his eyes, man. The veins in his head. His knee on his chest. You could tell what he was doing; he was suffocating my friend, man. It’s like a jujitsu chokehold. You wiggle, you shimmy, and bam, the choke’s on. I told him it was cutting off his blood, and he knew it. He looked at me, lowered his head; he didn’t move or say anything after that. The other officers, I was on the opposite side of the car; I had no idea until videos started circulating on social media. They were trying to smother him, to kill him, and I saw it. I saw it in their eyes; I saw it as an EMT. I saw it in their actions. Officer Thomas didn’t stop it, but he controlled the situation on the other side of the car, so I couldn’t see what was happening.”
“Those who know me well understand my character. I’ve received letters and notes from folks back in Lux, individuals who’ve known me since my upbringing in the city. They’ve remarked that they’ve never seen me so composed. It’s a heavy realization to witness someone resembling me, sharing my complexion, lose their life at the hands of another, in a senseless act devoid of remorse. Yes, Daniel… devoid of emotion entirely. At that moment, it seemed as if he had no heart. And he will soon realize that the consequences of his actions will be far from lenient.”
As per the testimony of witnesses, it’s evident that George Floyd’s death was a murder. I firmly believe Derek Chauvin should have been charged with second-degree murder due to his apparent intent to kill Floyd. This tragic incident has sparked nationwide protests and riots. It all began in Minneapolis, where Floyd lost his life. People took to the streets, venting their frustration through acts of vandalism, looting, and arson. The burning of the Minneapolis Police Department’s third precinct building sent a clear message not just to law enforcement but to the entire nation. People demand justice not only for Floyd but also for countless other black individuals who’ve lost their lives due to police brutality.
Tensions are running high, exacerbated by the stress of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. However, the underlying reason for this rage stems from months of witnessing black lives lost at the hands of law enforcement. Take, for instance, the case of Atatiana Jefferson, a 28-year-old black woman fatally shot in her own home during a wellness check. Then there’s Botham Jean, killed in his own apartment by officer Amber Guyger, who mistook his residence for her own. And who could forget Ahmaud Arbery, mercilessly gunned down while jogging, pursued by Gregory and Travis McMichael, with a bystander recording the brutal act. These incidents, among others, have fueled the current outcry for justice.
The Brunswick, Georgia police department would have swept this under the rug if not for the release of this video. It’s worth noting that it took them nearly three months to apprehend the perpetrators. Now, let’s discuss Breonna Taylor. Breonna, a 26-year-old EMT, was asleep in her apartment one night with her boyfriend when the police forcefully entered to execute a narcotics search warrant. Here’s the catch: no drugs were found, and neither Breonna nor her boyfriend were the intended suspects. Despite this, the officers barged in without proper identification or uniforms, causing her boyfriend to react in self-defense by firing at what he believed were intruders. Tragically, the officers responded by firing at Breonna at least eight times, fatally wounding her. Shockingly, her boyfriend was initially charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder of a police officer, but these charges were later dropped upon further investigation. The FBI was called in, yet the officers responsible for Breonna’s death remain uncharged. This case received insufficient media attention, although some in Louisville, Kentucky, did march in her honor. Regrettably, a peaceful protest turned violent when gunfire erupted, injuring seven people. While some suspected police involvement, authorities denied any responsibility. The entire narrative is deeply suspicious, especially considering the lack of accountability for Breonna’s killers.
There’s been a series of events leading up to the tragic death of George Floyd, stirring profound emotions and anger among people, and I empathize entirely. The unfair treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement is glaringly evident. Contrasting the leniency shown to white individuals accused of severe crimes with the disproportionate violence against Black people for minor offenses is starkly unjust. The outrage driving protests isn’t baseless; it’s a demand for justice, equality, and recognition of the value of Black lives.
However, amidst this justified fury, I must address some concerning aspects of the protests and riots I’ve observed nationwide. I’ve witnessed the destruction of buildings, police vehicles, and looting, including in Atlanta. Acts like vandalizing the CNN building, while understandable in the heat of the moment, are ultimately counterproductive. It’s crucial to safeguard our communities, especially considering the inflammatory rhetoric of our current president and the infiltration of undercover officers instigating violence. Their aim is to justify aggressive intervention by law enforcement, undermining the core message of the protests.
We must channel our energy constructively and seek alternative avenues for change. The unified pressure applied to the district attorney in the George Floyd case illustrates the power of collective action. We must persist in demanding accountability for all involved officers. Holding government officials accountable is paramount, emphasizing the significance of participation in local elections to ensure representation that prioritizes justice and community well-being.
Additionally, unity within the Black community is imperative. Ceasing internal violence and supporting one another strengthens our collective voice and resilience, especially during these challenging times. Standing together and protecting each other fosters a stronger, more resilient community poised to enact meaningful change.
“Recently, I noticed several celebrities speaking out in solidarity with George Floyd. Rihanna, for instance, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing her profound anguish at the ongoing devastation and injustice. She described her emotional turmoil, recounting the haunting image of George Floyd’s pleading voice and the disturbing satisfaction on Derek Chauvin’s face. Rihanna’s words resonate deeply, prompting reflection on the gravity of the situation.
Numerous other influential figures also lent their voices in support of George Floyd, and their advocacy is commendable. Justice must prevail for George Floyd. His senseless killing, witnessed by the world, has left us shattered and outraged. We cannot normalize such profound suffering. This call to action extends beyond race; it’s a plea for humanity. Regardless of skin color, we’re all affected by the racism plaguing America. We must end the cycle of violence and dehumanization. George Floyd’s tragedy is a collective loss, a stark reminder of the systemic injustices that persist.
While charges have been laid, true justice remains elusive. We mustn’t falter in our pursuit of accountability. Let’s unite in signing petitions and fostering peace, empathy, and healing. Our nation is in dire need of compassion and unity. Thank you for standing together in solidarity.”
“Hey everyone, just a few quick reflections here. Lately, I’ve been pondering some of the frustrations and anger we’re experiencing. It strikes me that there’s an unfair expectation placed on black individuals to handle injustice with superhuman grace and forgiveness. We’re often expected to be excessively resilient in the face of adversity.
Moreover, there’s this constant pressure for us to focus outwardly to solve these issues. It’s as if the burden is solely on us to combat racism by convincing others of our humanity and confronting their prejudices. But let’s face it, racism isn’t going to disappear overnight. It’s deeply ingrained in society, fueled by learned hate and a natural inclination towards similarity.
While we can work towards unlearning racism, it’s crucial to recognize that biases may persist. This tendency to gravitate towards those who resemble us begins early in life. It’s a complex issue that requires acknowledgment and effort from all sides.”
Because of the immense pressure on black individuals to endure and combat racism, there’s an expectation for us to engage in outreach efforts, showcasing our humanity amidst adversity. We’re supposed to demonstrate resilience, forgiveness, and stoicism in the face of injustice. However, merely marching and displaying nonviolent resistance might not suffice. History illustrates this duality: while Martin Luther King Jr. advocated nonviolence, Malcolm X presented an alternative, more militant approach. This dual narrative compelled white America to confront a choice: embrace peaceful change or face more radical methods.
It’s unrealistic to expect that solely nonviolent tactics will eradicate racism. While white America grapples with its biases, we, the black community, must fortify ourselves internally. This involves mutual support financially, emotionally, and psychologically. Strengthening our community is imperative because racism persists while systemic change evolves slowly. While biases may persist indefinitely, we can’t afford to wait for others to acknowledge our humanity. Instead, we must bolster our community so that any act of racism incurs significant repercussions, whether financial or political.
Two highly effective approaches stand out. First, it’s crucial to engage with the census by sitting down at your computer and ensuring you complete it. This ensures that your presence and whereabouts are known to the authorities. Secondly, wield your political influence by actively participating in local elections. Hold accountable those politicians who don’t serve your interests, such as prosecutors unjustly incarcerating members of your community. Demand change by electing progressive senators or pushing for legislative reforms like marijuana legalization. But let’s not resort to destructive actions like burning down our own communities; let’s strive for real solutions. I propose reinstating the Community Review Board within the Atlanta City Police Department, an initiative formerly overseen by Alice Johnson under Chief Turner. This board would proactively address issues before they escalate, preventing situations where officers repeatedly err, leading to national unrest. We can’t afford to tolerate inept leadership or systemic injustices. If black officers fail to stand up against such injustices, they betray our community. My admiration and solidarity go out to everyone. Let’s collectively seek solutions, even if I don’t possess all the answers. But we must act and plan together. If you’re not standing up for the people, don’t be surprised when frustration boils over into action. Don’t fuel the flames of unrest by deploying instigators among our communities. Young people are rightfully angry, and the solution is clear: hold law enforcement accountable. Charge all officers involved, not selectively, not just in Minnesota, but nationwide.