Friday Five: July 8, 2016
1. How Many Is Enough?
In response to the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, Kara Brown penned this thoughtful essay, Am I Going to Write About Murdered Black People Forever?
So many of these writers — black and otherwise — write beautiful, tragic and true prose in the aftermath of these offenses about the fallacy that is being both safe and black in America. Their articles are shared and lauded and discussed and responded to and built upon. Then we wait for another — another shooting, another lost life. And we write again, and wonder: is this just the way of things now? How much time will I spend finding the correct words to say that the color of a person’s skin is not justification for ending their life? And how much time will elapse until those words mean anything to the people who actually kill us?
See also: Joel Leon’s piece Black Lives Matter: A Fairy Tale
2. But We’re Counting
The Atlantic delves into a side effect of the systematic ignorance of police violence: the brutal lack of official information. How many people have been shot and killed by police this year? It depends on who you ask. The Washington Post says 506 (up to 509 today). The Guardian says between 526 and 561 (up to 566 today). The United States government isn’t really sure, but we’re counting.
3. Ask a room of white people “would you like to be treated this way?”
Jane Elliot making a powerful point.
4. A Man Was Lynched Yesterday
At its headquarters, 69 Fifth Avenue, New York City, the NAACP flew a flag to report lynchings, until, in 1938, the threat of losing its lease forced the association to discontinue the practice.
5. Take Action
Campaign Zero launched a simple to use tool to help you find out how your local representatives stand on police violence. It is on us to demand a change. Make your voice heard.
If you need something a little lighter, here’s this: Francis an the Lights — Friends
