From when we were children, we learned in government funded schools about slavery and extreme racism. About how people of color suffered to show us how much the world has evolved through the years. But has it really? Why must anyone feel because of color like an outcast in a country that is perceived as the land of the free? America, are we actually home of the brave if people amongst us are still coward to the thought of change? So, when is enough, enough? I’ll tell you when …
“Please, I can’t breathe. My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Please, please. I can’t breathe.”
Those were the last words of George Floyd, an unarmed black man being pressed face down, on a main street in broad daylight during a pandemic, while four Minneapolis officers (one who made sure no one would stop them) knelt on his neck, torso, and legs until fighting for his life was no longer possible.
The world has watched white privileged adults being walked unharmed to a cop car after mass shootings in schools, malls, movie theaters, clubs and festivals, but never have we seen a more traumatic video then what was brought to our attention this past Monday, May 25th. The death of George Floyd has sparked outrage, sadness, and disgust across this nation. It’s a time to prove a point. A time to be heard.
Rapper Ice Cube tweeted, “How long will we go for Blue on Black Crime before we strike back?” Ice Cube was scheduled to make an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America on May 28th, but after the murder of George Floyd on May 25th, he decided to cancel.
“I apologize to everyone expecting to see me on Good Morning America today,” he tweeted, “but after the events in Minnesota with George Floyd I’m in no mood to tell America, good morning.”
He continued, “I’m done talking. These people know right from wrong and they obviously don’t care. So what we talking about?”
Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired over the incident, which occurred after they were called to reports of a forgery in progress with the suspect appearing under the influence.
Benjamin Crump, the attorney representing Floyd’s family, said in a statement they would seek justice and demand answers.
“This abusive, excessive and inhumane use of force cost the life of a man who was being detained by the police for questioning about a non-violent charge,” he said. “How many ‘white black’ deaths will it take until the racial profiling and undervaluing of black lives by police finally ends?”
Words can’t express how much pain was felt watching that video, but I do know I never want to see this happen again. We must stand together and make a difference. My heart goes out to George Floyd’s family and friends during this extremely hard time.
