One of the defining moments for the United States in 2020 was the Black Lives Matter Protests that took place in May, June, and July. Throughout the 21st century, Black folks across the United States were victims of police brutality, most of which resulted in their murder.
Things finally came to a head when the recording of the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed cooperative Black man, was released to the public. The weeks of protesting that followed prompted lawmakers, politicians, and police to reevaluate the criminal justice system. After George Floyd's murder, we saw members of congress and the white house making statements promising change, but how serious were they?
On Sunday, August 23rd, at around 5 pm, Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by Kenosha, Wisconsin police. Blake was walking back to his car, where his three children were waiting. Several police officers were supposed to follow up on a domestic disturbance complaint followed him around the front of his car, and as he opened the door, proceeded to fire the shots.
Thankfully the shots were not fatal; however, Blake is in critical condition. One significant difference between Blake's case and that of others like Floyd is that Blake is alive. His survival will change the outcome of the trial entirely because given he recovers well enough to speak on what happens, he gets to share his story, unlike many of the Black folks who faced similar fates.
The governor of Wisconsin tweeted out an all too familiar statement expressing his sympathy and how he will seek forth justice and is against the use of excessive force. Governors, senators, and mayors in every state have all sang the same song of justice should be severed, yet the same instances keep reoccurring. Will what happened to Jacob Blake be the beginning of change or another cautionary tale?
Written by Casey Bakarani
Artwork by Zara Masood
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