avatarJeanette C. Espinoza

Summary

The article expresses deep frustration and sorrow over the lack of justice for Breonna Taylor, highlighting systemic racism and the devaluation of Black lives in the United States.

Abstract

The article "Black Lives Are Inconsequential and Disposable in This Country" conveys a profound sense of disappointment and anger towards the U.S. justice system following the decision not to charge the officers involved in Breonna Taylor's death with her murder. It underscores the systemic disregard for Black lives, particularly Black women, and the consistent failure of the legal system to hold law enforcement accountable for violence against Black individuals. The author reflects on the hope for change that was dashed by the grand jury's verdict, which charged only one officer with wanton endangerment for shots fired into neighboring apartments, not for Taylor's killing. The piece also addresses the subsequent shooting of two Louisville police officers, emphasizing the immediate attention and action in contrast to the lack of justice for Taylor. It calls out the pattern of shifting the narrative to vilify protesters and protect the image of law enforcement, while also questioning why Black people must continue to fight for basic rights and recognition of their humanity in a country that claims to be "the land of the free." The author vows to continue fighting for systemic change and to honor Breonna Taylor's memory through activism.

Opinions

  • The author believes that the lack of charges for the officers in Breonna Taylor's case is indicative of the broader issue that Black lives are not valued in the U.S.
  • There is a strong sentiment that the safety and lives of Black people should be a non-partisan priority and that the failure to charge the officers is a message that Black lives are disposable.
  • The article suggests that the immediate response to the shooting of the two Louisville police officers, including quick suspect apprehension, contrasts sharply with the lack of justice for Breonna Taylor.
  • The author argues that protests, including those that may turn violent, are a reaction to consistent injustices and systemic racism, and are sometimes the only way to draw attention to these issues.
  • It is expressed that law enforcement's role in perpetuating pain within the Black community contributes to their being casualties in uprisings, though the article condemns intentional violence against officers.
  • The piece emphasizes that the

Black Lives Are Inconsequential and Disposable in This Country

The lack of charges for the officers in Breonna Taylor’s case is yet another slap in the face to Black Women in America.

Photo Credit: standwithbre.com

I prayed for a different outcome this time.

We have seen Black bodies swept under rugs, their families paid off as if our lives have price tags, and the media switching to new stories when the sensationalism of the the moment wears off.

Still, a part of me deep down hoped this time it would be different. The shooting of this young and innocent woman in the safety of her home during a botched “no-knock warrant” rightfully elicited outrage in the Black community, but that outrage should have extended to every community and throughout the government on a bi-partisan basis. The safety of Black people should never be a partisan debate.

IT SHOULD BE A GIVEN THAT OUR LIVES MATTER.

But events yesterday once again proved me wrong. Officer Brett Hankison who fired the deadly shots that took Breonna Taylor’s life was charged with “wanton endangerment.” This charge does not speak to the loss of Breonna’s life, but rather to the the lives of others in nearby apartments who were endangered when Hankison and his fellow officers, Myles Cosgrove and Jonathan Mattingly, blindly fired over 20 shots into and in the vicinity of Breonna’s apartment.

There were no charges to specifically hold these officers accountable for Breonna’s brutal, vicious, and inexcusable murder. It is the equivalant of law makers standing on a mountain top with a bullhorn proclaiming to the entire world that Black lives have never mattered in this country. Instead, reverence and protection for law enforcement will always prevail.

This dismissive decision inspired protests that resulted in the shooting of two Louisville police officers. According to recent reports, both sustained non life-threatening injuries and are expected to fully recover. While the shooting of any innocent person is not warranted, these officers were given the respect of immediate acknowledgement and suspect apprehension within hours of the incidents.

Breonna Taylor was shot and killed on March 13th and to this day her family has yet to receive justice for her murder.

The stories will now shift to the so-called “dangerous protestors” and the conversation will suggest the people voicing their first amendment rights — not the rogue and racist police who committed this egregious crime— are the real problem in this country.

How many times have we seen this tired, played out narrative? This is why we as Black people are so frustrated, so rightfully angry, and so completely exhausted by this lack of due process for people who look like us.

It is past time for this country to address the WHY instead of just focusing on the REACTION.

WHY do Black people protest?

To fight the consistent injustices in this country against Black people and people of color. To secure safety for our children and future lineages. To level the playing field in our pursuit of happiness and financial independence. To end the police brutality and racism that runs rampant in this country.

WHY do protests sometimes erupt in violence?

Because this is often the ONLY way to get the attention of a country that was FOUNDED on rioting, looting, stealing and burning buildings that belonged to others. This is a language that America clearly understands. Is it the right way to resolve conflict? Of course not, but destruction is often a component of conflict.

WHY are police officers sometimes casualties of uprisings?

Because law enforcement is often at the forefront of the pain suffered by the Black community. Intentionally shooting and injuring a police office is unequivocally wrong and should never be condoned. But the SAME should be true and acknowledged for unarmed, innocent Black people as well.

WHY do Black people still fight for justice in a country labeled as “the land of the free?”

Because America has historically proven beyond a shadow of doubt that freedom is not equally distributed in this country. Because Black people have never been afforded unconditional autonomy in America. Because our athletes are told to “SHUT UP AND DRIBBLE” when they take a stand against racism. And when they kneel, they are persecuted. Because Black people have never been considered as HUMAN BEINGS by the dominant society.

WHY are Black people still fighting for equality after the civil rights movement?

Because the foundation of America that was built on inequity, oppression, and White supremacy still reigns in this country today. Because as descendants of the enslaved people who built this country, we are trying to make the experience of being Black in America more bearable for future generations. Because although Breonna Taylor was given a law in her name and millions of dollars were awarded to her family, the officers who actually took her life remain uncharged, unaccountable, and FREE.

In what world could a White woman be murdered in her home and her killing not be avenged by the justice system? In what world could her boyfriend be arrested and charged in moments for exercising his second amendment rights to protect his home and his girlfriend, yet the officers who killed her receive no punishment at all six months after their crimes?

In America, that’s where.

To Breonna, I am sorry.

I am sorry this system that was designed to devalue your life once again made good on its promise.

I am sorry your beautiful name and image have been reduced to another hashtag signifying the loss of another precious life.

I am sorry that the fighting and protesting we did for you wasn’t enough.

I am sorry that because you were born as a beautiful Black woman that made your life less valuable in the eyes of America.

I’m sorry you weren’t given the opportunity to get married, to have children, to pursue your dreams, to enjoy your life with your mother and extended family, to experience new and exciting challenges, and to grow old.

I am sorry that America failed you.

Those of us who feel this injustice like a knife piercing through our hearts will NEVER forget you. We will NEVER allow your precious life to have been lost in vein. We will KEEP FIGHTING. We will KEEP PROTESTING. We will KEEP WORKING TO CHANGE LAWS. We will KEEP CONFRONTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM. We will use our education, talent, and strength to work to create a NEW and EQUITABLE system where BLACK LIVES MATTER.

God Bless You, Breonna Taylor.

You are forever young, and you will live FOREVER.

BlackLivesMatter
Racism
Equality
Police Brutality
Justice
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