How many times must we ask ourselves “why?”
Eric Garner
Michael Brown
Tamir Rice
Walter Scott
Alton Sterling
Philando Castile
Breonna Taylor
George Floyd
And now
Daunte Wright
Why are the police, those sworn to protect and serve, murdering Black men and women? Why?
We know the answer. The answer isn’t comfortable. It isn’t right. It isn’t fair. But the answer is true. All of these people were murdered because of the color of their skin.
Some, believe it or not, may disagree. It was “an accident.” He died of “other causes.” The police officer used deadly force to “protect his own life.” To you I ask, “Would a trial still be taking a place if Derek Chauvin was a regular citizen and not a police officer?”
For those who agree, I ask, “Now what?” We’ve protested. We’ve made our voices heard. We’ve “woke” some members of the white community. And yet, here we are again. Since 2015, police officers have fatally shot at least 135 unarmed Black men and women nationwide, according to NPR. Make that 136. Daunte Wright.
“Thoughts and prayers” aren’t enough. “Investigations” rarely lead to justice. And our lawful protests earn us the badge of “rioters.”
Our hearts are broken. Our minds are numb. And our bodies are exhausted.
So, what are we to do?
My friends, I don’t have the answer. But what I do have is you. And you have me. And, together, We. Are. Powerful.
United we can change the trajectory of every Black person in this country.
We can demand that law enforcement agencies hold officers accountable for murder. We can demand that the criminal justice system prosecute all those accused of murder. And we can demand that police unions prioritize protecting citizens above protecting officers who commit murder.
At every possible opportunity, I will speak out against police brutality on the Black Community. I will engage in conversations about race relations. And I will continue, in my role as President & CEO of the National Black MBA Association® to aspire to inspire all those in the Black community.
I’m calling on you to do the same.
When we speak as one voice, united in our demand for fairness, justice and equality, we will become a voice so loud that it cannot be ignored any longer.
Joe Handy
President & CEO
National Black MBA Association