An undeniable and unfortunate highlight of 2014 was the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed, African American, teenage male who was fatally shot by on-duty officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, MO. The death of Brown was not the first of its kind, but the incident incited weeks of protests, riots and looting. Catching the attention of local and national media outlets, there was an outcry for justice for Brown and victims like him, such as Eric Garner. Garner was African American male killed in New York by a police officer who had him in a choke hold while Garner said, “I can’t breathe.” Journalists produced first-hand accounts of the mounting situation in Ferguson and celebrities poured in with their support. Both consumed social media along with citizen journalists and sympathizers, of both Brown and Wilson, who believed something needed to be done.
Officer Wilson was not indicted on murder charges and the parents of Michael Brown laid their child to rest instead of preparing him for his first day of college. A year later, we are remembering this disheartening moment in history, but what can we take away from it?
Michael Brown was not the last unarmed victim to be killed by an on-duty officer. According to The Washington Post, 585 people have been killed by on duty officers this year as of Aug. 7, with July being the most deadly. Twenty-four of the 585 were unarmed African Americans and 81 have been killed within the last 30 days. The most recent victim is 19-year-old Christian Taylor killed Aug.7 after allegedly driving a vehicle through a dealership, NBC News reported.
This issue will be ongoing. While the media coverage and social media conversations expose the injustices and bad practices of police officers, we continue to lose lives at their hands. More has to be done than just a round table discussion and body cameras.
Change is inevitable, yes, but it isn’t always good or quick. When the spotlight is on these cities, police departments and government officials, it seems as if action will be taken to rectify the issues. As soon as the cameras and reporters pack up, life goes back to the way it was with little change, if any.
Police and the citizens need to bridge the gap. There has been an obvious disconnect with citizens and authority figures since before the Civil Rights Movement. While attitudes and opinions about minorities may have changed, there is still a stigma in many communities that the police aren’t to be trusted. Until citizens believe that the authorities are there to protect the entire community and all citizens, not just specific demographics, there will continue to be a disconnect.
Celebrities are not obligated to be activists. An interview in Rolling Stone with young activists from Ferguson revealed frustration with celebrities who aren’t using their platform. If celebrities take a stand, pose an opinion, get on a soap box, donate funds and actually become active in movements they choose, that is great. Communities benefit from people with platforms who can help spread their message to a bigger audience. If celebrities choose the opposite, that is not a problem either. Celebrities are here for entertainment. Actors, artists, athletes, and the likes are here to provide their audiences with entertainment and do not have to use their platform for something other than that. Activist should want to help their communities or cultures and be that liaison that will call out wrong doings, challenge injustices and help build a better relationship between the citizens and authorities.
It is sad to report that there continue to be Trayvons, Michaels, Erics, Freddies and Christians as we mark the one year anniversary of Brown’s death. The systematic violence perpetuated by the hands meant to protect its citizens needs to end so the healing can begin. Until then, what will you do with the lessons you’ve learned?
Michael Brown was not the last unarmed victim to be killed by an on-duty officer. According to The Washington Post, 585 people have been killed by on duty officers this year as of Aug. 7, with July being the most deadly. Twenty-four of the 585 were unarmed African Americans and 81 have been killed within the last 30 days. The most recent victim is 19-year-old Christian Taylor killed Aug.7 after allegedly driving a vehicle through a dealership, NBC News reported.
This issue will be ongoing. While the media coverage and social media conversations expose the injustices and bad practices of police officers, we continue to lose lives at their hands. More has to be done than just a round table discussion and body cameras.
Change is inevitable, yes, but it isn’t always good or quick. When the spotlight is on these cities, police departments and government officials, it seems as if action will be taken to rectify the issues. As soon as the cameras and reporters pack up, life goes back to the way it was with little change, if any.
Police and the citizens need to bridge the gap. There has been an obvious disconnect with citizens and authority figures since before the Civil Rights Movement. While attitudes and opinions about minorities may have changed, there is still a stigma in many communities that the police aren’t to be trusted. Until citizens believe that the authorities are there to protect the entire community and all citizens, not just specific demographics, there will continue to be a disconnect.
Celebrities are not obligated to be activists. An interview in Rolling Stone with young activists from Ferguson revealed frustration with celebrities who aren’t using their platform. If celebrities take a stand, pose an opinion, get on a soap box, donate funds and actually become active in movements they choose, that is great. Communities benefit from people with platforms who can help spread their message to a bigger audience. If celebrities choose the opposite, that is not a problem either. Celebrities are here for entertainment. Actors, artists, athletes, and the likes are here to provide their audiences with entertainment and do not have to use their platform for something other than that. Activist should want to help their communities or cultures and be that liaison that will call out wrong doings, challenge injustices and help build a better relationship between the citizens and authorities.
It is sad to report that there continue to be Trayvons, Michaels, Erics, Freddies and Christians as we mark the one year anniversary of Brown’s death. The systematic violence perpetuated by the hands meant to protect its citizens needs to end so the healing can begin. Until then, what will you do with the lessons you’ve learned?