When we see an example of police brutality in action, racially disparate policing becomes part of the conversation. Though we know racism plays a huge role, rarely do we make the necessary connections between the racist ways that policing in America began and how Black/Brown communities are policed today. That is repeatedly proving to be a fatal mistake. The History of … [Read more...]
Cops & District Attorneys: When Black Lives Don’t Matter
Special prosecutors are independent attorneys who are appointed to investigate, and if necessary prosecute, government officials for misconduct. They are typically used in cases where there is a significant risk that conflicts of interest will prevent traditional prosecutors (also known as “district attorneys” or “DAs”) from fairly and accurately seeking justice in the … [Read more...]
#DearSheriffLott: Sex With Black People Can’t Cure Racism
Dear Sheriff Leon Lott, It's amazing that I'm using the phrase “sex with Black people” in the title of an open letter. But that’s what happens when someone with your level of power dares to use the “my employee/friend/brother-can’t-be-racist-because-he-has-an-African-American-girlfriend” excuse. I’m still tripping that you said this out loud and in public. As if sex … [Read more...]
Dear Black Voters: Um. I Think We’re Doing This Wrong
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Within the pool of eligible Black voters there are some who proactively protest and/or boycott the vote. These are not the folks who forget to vote, nor are these the ones who would vote if the weather were nicer, if the lines were shorter, if the registration process were easier, or if they remember the election before they get home from work on that particular … [Read more...]
Racism: The Wound that Time Cannot Heal
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Time Does Not Heal All Wounds It has been just a few months since the aftermath of Ferguson...since the death of Mike Brown. In that time we’ve come to learn the names of more: John Crawford III, Darien Hunt, Ezell Ford, Tamir Rice and so many others slain at the hands of police. Yesterday the grand klavern jury voted to not indict the White police officer who used a … [Read more...]