Asleep and Black: Death Arrives Without Benefit of Doubt

PHOTO CREDIT: AUTHOR | IMAGE CREATED WITH AI

In a time where being “woke” is frowned upon, both staying aware and falling asleep can have political, legal and deadly ramifications for minority communities. Many individuals of African-American descent comprehend and have firsthand knowledge of the distressing devaluation and specific targeting associated with the practice of driving while black or DWB. The tragic incidents involving Corporal Roman Ducksworth and Rayshard Brooks, both killed while sleeping, have sparked a wave of discussions from activists to Capitol Hill and community protests across the United States. These incidents, separated by decades, share a common thread, shedding light on the systemic issues that continue to plague society. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s aims to inquire into the circumstances of these incidents and remember the subsequent reactions, and the broader implications for society.

The Incidents: A Brief Overview

Corporal Roman Ducksworth

Someone killed Corporal Roman Ducksworth, a military police officer, on April 9, 1962, while he was asleep on a bus. Ducksworth, who was returning home to Taylorsville, Mississippi, from Maryland, was allegedly mistaken for a “freedom rider” by William Kelly, a white police officer. Please keep in mind, “Freedom Riders” were peaceful freedom fighters exercising peaceful resistance. Kelly, with no provocation, shot Ducksworth at point-blank range, a tragic incident that sparked outrage and protests. So not only was Cpl Ducksworth serving his country, but he was returning home — a potential criminal offense for being black.

Authorities never held Kelly accountable for Ducksworth’s death, despite the clear circumstances. This lack of justice is a stark reminder of the systemic racial discrimination prevalent during the civil rights era and faced by many still today for the absurd reason of being a different skin color.

Another example of a military black person murdered is the incident involving Sergeant Jonathan Smith, an African American soldier who had served in the United States Army for over 10 years. While on leave from his deployment, Sergeant Smith encountered a group of white supremacists who stopped him while he was walking down a street in his hometown. They hurled racial slurs at him and physically assaulted him, leaving him severely injured. This chilling incident highlights the constant threats and discrimination that African Americans, even those bravely serving their country, faced during this tumultuous period.

Rayshard Brooks

Let’s fast forward to June 12, 2020, when a tragic incident occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, resulting in the death of Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old African American man. A white police officer shot him in a Wendy’s fast-food restaurant parking lot. Brooks had fallen asleep in his car, blocking the drive-thru lane, which led to a police response. White officers attempted to arrest Brooks, a young African-American, for suspected drunk driving and a struggle ensued, resulting in the officer shooting Brooks twice in the back.

The authorities fired Garrett Rolfe, the officer who shot Brooks, and charged him with felony murder. However, the tragic incident and others like it sparked widespread protests and calls for police reform, highlighting the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and police brutality in the United States. The incident referred to is the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis. The video footage of the incident went viral, leading to outrage and a wave of demonstrations across the country. People demanded justice for Floyd and an end to the pervasive issue of racial bias and excessive use of force by law enforcement. The incident further exposed the urgent need for comprehensive police reform to address systemic racism and promote accountability within the criminal justice system. We should not view police reform as special treatment, but as a minimum requirement for equal justice and fair treatment.

The Societal Impact

Protests and Calls for Justice

The deaths of Ducksworth and Brooks, both while sleeping, have sparked widespread protests and calls for justice. Following the killing of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter movement has taken center stage in these protests. The movement has brought attention to the systemic racism and police brutality that continues to persist in the United States.

According to a poll conducted by Civiqs, support for the Black Lives Matter movement surged to 53% in June 2020, up from 42% in 2019. However, it is important to note that there are still some who question the validity and extent of these systemic issues. They argue that individual success stories and advancements in society show that any obstacles faced by the African American community result from personal choices rather than systemic factors. This perspective suggests that the increase in support may result from a broader cultural shift rather than a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by African Americans.

On the other hand, the pushback legislation enacted by conservative-led states such as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas shows a rising belief that minorities are demanding excessive rights and any display of compassion must be swiftly extinguished to prevent its spread. W. Ince

For example, in Florida, a recently passed law imposes strict voting restrictions that disproportionately affect minority communities, making it harder for them to exercise their democratic rights. Similarly, in Georgia, lawmakers enacted a controversial bill that restricts access to voting, focusing on minority populations.

These actions suggest conservatives are increasingly adopting the belief that minorities are seeking special privileges and that they must suppress any form of empathy or support for their rights to prevent the perceived influence from spreading.

Policy Changes and Police Reforms

The incidents involving Ducksworth and Brooks highlight the many incidents that have also led to calls for policy changes and police reforms. Following Brooks’ death, the Atlanta Police Department announced several policy changes, including a duty for officers to intervene and report any use of unreasonable force.

However, these changes are just a small part of the larger picture. The changes and other similar initiatives begs the question why weren’t these changes already enacted or implemented. According to a report by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, only 34% of the 91 police departments surveyed had policies requiring officers to de-escalate situations when possible. I use this as an argument that law enforcement officers like overseers have a license to kill and that emboldens them to take lives, black lives instead of preserving lives. Perhaps not all officers are predisposed to shoot first and kill (not wound), but that is where the proverbial “thin blue line” obfuscates duty to intervene and a duty of care to the victim for many other officers. This statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive police reform across the United States.

Looking Forward: The Path to Change

Addressing Systemic Racism

The incidents involving Ducksworth and Brooks serve as stark reminders of the systemic racism that continues to persist in the United States. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including education, policy changes, and societal shifts.

PHOTO CREDIT: AUTHOR | IMAGE CREATED WITH AI

Education is a crucial tool in combating systemic racism. By fostering a deeper understanding of the historical context and ongoing effects of racism, society can work towards a more inclusive and fair future. Policy changes, such as comprehensive police reform, are also essential in addressing systemic racism.

Building a More Equitable Society

Building a more fair society requires not only addressing systemic racism but also fostering inclusivity and diversity. This process involves recognizing and valuing the diverse experiences and perspectives of all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity. However, some argue that focusing on race and ethnicity in the recognition and valuation of diverse experiences and perspectives can lead to further divisions and create a sense of otherness. They believe that by emphasizing these factors, it may inadvertently reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate a sense of victimhood or superiority based on race or ethnicity. Instead, they suggest valuing and acknowledging individuals for their unique talents, skills, and contributions, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Many Black conservatives have a similar belief, but it’s difficult for them to empathize with minorities who face an altogether distinct reality where the same law enforcement individuals sworn to protect and serve relentlessly target and kills them. This approach aims to promote a more inclusive and equal society, where everyone values and recognizes individuals for their unique talents, skills, and contributions, regardless of their race or ethnicity? I’m not conceived and assimilation does not provide an advantage to understand oppression. It’s hard out here on the streets of mainstream America but I’m neither a victim nor a beggar.

When your hands are raised high in the air, bright lights in your face, and loud unclear shouting but fearful armed police raining spit and spittle upon you, it becomes difficult to show a report card, college degree, or community contributor card. Producing these artifacts at the funeral would be untimely.

According to a report by McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. This statistic illustrates the tangible benefits of diversity and inclusivity, both in the workplace and in society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tragic incidents involving Corporal Roman Ducksworth and Rayshard Brooks serve as stark reminders of the systemic issues that continue to plague society. By acknowledging and resolving these challenges, we can pay tribute to their legacies and the countless sacrifices of others and strive for a brighter tomorrow during Black History Month.