I Can’t Breathe: A Timeless Black American Anthem
“I can’t breathe…my stomach hurts…my neck hurts…everything hurts”. These were some of the last words of George Floyd as he fought for his life between labored breaths on May 25th, 2020. As I write now, Floyd’s death is the most recent fatal case of police brutality known to the American public. Yet, his plight is part of an old American tradition that was initiated on the day our noble forefathers invented the concept of race and his final plea is a black anthem that captures the physical and emotional pain that we have endured since then.
Ground Rules
There is SO much that I want to write about the death of George Floyd and I probably won’t be able to address everything in this article, but I will start by outlining upfront what I will NOT be discussing here.
I will not bother analyzing the details of the case for the hope of reaching enlightenment. I have already accepted that this is impossible. There is no way to rationalize the actions of criminal Officer Derek Chauvin on that fateful day. It is clear that Officer Chauvin’s intention was to kill Mr. Floyd, who did nothing that warranted death. If you, the reader, are struggling to understand these basic and fundamental truths, you can see your way out. I cannot relate to you.
Additionally, I want to avoid language that suggests that because George was a “good” man, he should not have been lynched in broad daylight. There is a name for this ideology and it has long been used as a form of behavioral acrobatics that black people have had to perform at the expense of authentic self-expression [1]. From every account, George Floyd was indeed a peaceful, service-oriented, upstanding citizen. However, the point is that Floyd should not have died on that day regardless of his demeanor or his actions in the past. Period.
Finally, I have no interest in convincing the reader why black lives are especially in danger. We have seen over the last couple of months alone that even a pandemic could not prevent the external plunder of black bodies. COVID-19 could not prevent Officer Francisco Garcia from pinning Donni Wright to the ground simply for engaging Garcia as he accosted two men for allegedly violating social distancing orders [2]. Nor could the quarantine prevent Amy Cooper from weaponizing her privilege as she called the police on Christian Cooper, an innocent black man, who had simply asked her to leash her dog, per Central Park rules [3]. Most unfortunately, the global public health crisis could not prevent the untimely and unwarranted deaths of Ahmaud Arbery [4], Breonna Taylor [5], and George Floyd [6].
I’m not in the business of persuading others of the targeted barefaced injustice that is directed toward black people in this country. One needs only to open their eyes to see what’s going on…and it ain’t pretty.
A Thought Experiment
At this point, many of us have seen the viral, horrific video of Officer Chauvin pressing his knee against George Floyd’s neck. For those of you who could not watch the video for one reason or another, that is fine. You are exempt from this exercise, but please stick around.
Now, for those who have seen the video, I want you to try very hard to recall what your initial gut reaction was. Were you enraged at the actions of Officer Chauvin? Did you feel a rush of pain, anger, or sadness as Mr. Floyd’s life drained slowly from his body? Were you frantically searching for a justification of Chauvin’s actions? Did you feel like the officer was simply carrying out his lawful duties as a police officer? Who was your protagonist? Who was your antagonist?
I need you to think very hard about YOUR answers to these questions because while the simple act of reciting them might reveal the “right” answers, it does not necessarily reveal the true makeup of YOUR own heart. And you may not have your answers ready at this moment, but I challenge you to take these questions back with you and reflect on them because they are fundamentally what separate those who get it (Group A) from those who don’t (Group B).
Where Do You Stand?
We have seen images and videos like this one circulating around social media for years and the heated discussions that often ensue in public discourse are typically between a member of Group A and a member of Group B; those who see the humanity in ALL human life and those who assume the criminality of a lesser subset thereof. There is inevitably a Group B pundit that is equipped with the latest list of Floyd’s previous infractions and are ready to defend the actions of Chauvin as a necessary enforcement of the law. This leaves the Group A pundit with the heavy burden of not only proving the abuse of Chauvin’s power but defending the sanctity of Floyd’s life.
If the conflict between Group A and Group B was a trifling and harmless rivalry that we could chalk up to social horseplay, then I might as well share a cheap joke about Becky and end the article here. Rather, the fact of the matter is that this tension is fatally crucial for black people in this country. In the past, it has allowed human ownership of black humans under the law, it has borne generational socioeconomic oppression through redlining and unfair drug policies, and it continues to destroy black life at the hands of those who have sworn to serve and protect us.
Indeed, this issue is a life-and-death situation and we have to think critically about where we stand in the struggle for justice for ALL human life, most especially black life. People are keeping a close eye on the people in their circle and taking note of their activity (or lack thereof) during this period. They are categorizing their friends in Group A and Group B and it would behoove you to move very carefully in times like this. That is all I will say about that for now.
Public Reaction
The public reaction to recent events has revealed a lot about our country. Let’s break down the reaction by group.
Peaceful Protestors
Protestors around the nation have been gathering in major city centers to stand in solidarity with the Floyd family as they seek justice for George. People have shown up in hundreds even in the midst of COVID-19, as if to send the message that if one can be unrightfully killed by the police during a pandemic, then they might as well risk their health and life if it means that they might achieve justice. In fact, in the future, when we look back at the year 2020, a pandemic year, we might ironically find that this was a pivotal year for black justice and police reform in America.
Violent Rioters
There has been a lot of fuss about a subset of protestors, dubbed infamously by Donald Trump as “THUGS”, who have been channeling their anger in violent ways. They have smashed windows of unattended police cars. They have looted and set fire to a property of Target, which is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, where George Floyd was killed, and has long contributed to poor police-community relations in the city [7]. The rioters have resorted to violence because every other proper and lawful channel has been exhausted to no avail.
My thoughts on all of this: I personally would not do it, but I understand where it comes from. People are tired, angry, and helpless with nothing to lose. And for years, this country has pushed black people too far, showing us that it values the police fraternity far more than it values the commonwealth. After a certain point, you have to expect that people’s fight-or-flight instincts will kick in and that many will choose the former over the latter.
President Trump
Nothing new here, I guess. Each major national event reinforces what we already know about Donald Trump. In the midst of recent events, we have seen Trump spend more of his time on social media denouncing the actions of the “THUGS” than offering any form of comfort to the Floyd family for their recent loss. In fact, he has incited more violence, invoking military support with a statement that has been used in the past to warn of an impending violent response sanctioned by the government [8]. We need real leadership in a time like this and this is not it.
Elections are on the horizon, so you know what you have to do.
City & State
In spite of the unmistakable footage of Floyd’s death that has been circulating the Web, District Attorney Michael Freeman refused to announce charges for the four officers involved, citing a desire for more evidence. MORE EVIDENCE?? In case you were doubtful of the existence of Group B, I present to you a proud member of the fold: DA Mike Freeman.
We learn reading comprehension at an early age in order to glean from written text a sense of understanding that most of us should already have when analyzing audiovisual content as explicit and self-evident as that of Floyd’s death. It is called common sense. But again, I must remind myself that this is a member of Group B who is likely beyond reform. Can’t reason.
The State of Minnesota took a while to find a charge against Office Chauvin, but after a work week of relative inaction met with mounting public pressure, they charged him with 3rd degree murder and 2nd degree manslaughter. This is a start, but it is merely a partial and stale justice. We want our full, five-course serving of justice that will upgrade Chauvin’s charge to one that is commensurate with the intentionality of the crime, administer due charges to ALL officers involved in the death of George Floyd, and enable tangible improvements for black people at all corners of American society.
Police Officers
Officers around the nation have been showing us their true colors in their response to recent events. We have seen it all. Some have fired pepper spray and rubber bullets at peaceful protestors and innocent reporters. Others have opened their doors to clip roadside protestors as they speed by. We have even seen some officers arresting reporters simply for…reporting [9]. In the midst of all of this, we are seeing an uncensored display of a policing culture that is clearly rooted in violent slave patrolling practices of the past [10] and that is long due for a fresh restart.
What Can You Do?
I don’t know about you, but I feel like the world is falling apart. It is easy to feel like there is nothing left to do that has not already been done. Point taken. But, we must do our best to keep our poise and not allow for emotion to muddle the ultimate goal. What follows is a list of things that you can do to cope and respond effectively. It is not a professionally vetted list, but I believe it is a good start and I encourage people to chip in with their own recommendations.
Look Within
Remember that thought experiment I presented earlier? Do you have an answer yet? Which group do you belong to? Before any kind of progress can be made, each and every single one of us has to start with this exercise. This process might take more than a day or two, but please give it the time it deserves. Only after you have fully examined your conscience will you be ready to participate in more tactical ways.
Stay Informed
Google is your friend. Educate yourself thoroughly on the events of today, but also be aware of all that has happened yesterday. The pressing events of today didn’t magically emerge from a vacuum. There is historical context for all of this and it behooves you to learn about as much of it as humanly possible. (Yes, I am even addressing myself as I write this.)
Support Existing Organizations
Join and donate to organizations that are already doing great justice work. These organizations have been around for years and have already invested deep and honest thought and energy toward the causes of equity, reform, and justice. Simply tagging along and sharing with others is a fine place to start. Here is a small list of organizations and resources that are making an impact (send more please):
- George Floyd Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
- Minnesota Freedom Fund: https://minnesotafreedomfund.org
- Reclaim The Block: https://reclaimtheblock.org
- Campaign Zero: https://joincampaignzero.org
- Grassroots Law Project: https://instagram.com/grassrootslaw
- The Action PAC: https://theactionpac.com
- The North Star: https://thenorthstar.com
- Code2040: https://code2040.org
Start Difficult Conversations
Conversations can transform people. There is a level of sympathy that exists in a personal conversation with a friend or loved one that cannot be cleanly simulated in a comment thread on social media or a mass public forum hosted by a grassroots organization. Lean into these conversations with the full weight of your being. You can be the one to inform someone about the systemic race issues going on today and you may also learn a thing or two about other people and their drivers. Meet them where they are, so to speak. Who knows? You may even learn a bit about yourself.
Vote with Intention and Accountability
There is no shortage of tools that we can use to voice our concern around social issues today. Perhaps, the most powerful one is the vote. It is not a perfect tool, but it is the best that we have as citizens and we ought to exercise it to our fullest capacity. Learn more about candidates at the federal and local level before you endorse them. Question them on difficult topics of race and police-community relations. Once they are in office, periodically present these questions to elected officials as a regular temperature check. After all, complacency stifles progress.
Express Yourself
I truly believe that everyone has a role to play in any struggle. Some will sing. Others will offer prayer. Some will dance. Others will organize. More yet will draw, write, or rap. There’s room for all of it and more. If you are artistic, now is the time to use your art to shed light on the pressing issues of the times or at least to inspire others in your work. If you are not, that’s OK too. There are other ways to express yourself. That includes resharing topical art (with fair credit) that speaks to you and sharing your personal experience with the issues.
Love Yourself
This stuff is hard. And it takes a lot of energy and courage. You have to remember that you are not alone and you are loved. Take personal time to reflect on all that is going on around you and look after yourself and your neighbor.
Yes, We CAN Win
At one point during the fatal incident of last week, Officer Chauvin uttered the chilling words, “You can’t win”, as he simultaneously pinned down a dying Floyd and ordered him to get up. In a strange way, this image represents the bleak reality of race relations in America and the impossible expectations placed upon black people to get up from underneath the systemic oppression that has been designed against our favor. But as I gaze far beyond the horizon of hate and discrimination that flood my senses to the point where I can’t breathe, I can still see the light of God out in the distance and I am reminded that yes, we CAN win.
References
[1] The Definition, Danger and Disease of Respectability Politics, Explained — https://www.theroot.com/the-definition-danger-and-disease-of-respectability-po-1790854699
[2] NYPD cops face disciplinary charges over ‘George Floyd-style’ incident — https://nypost.com/2020/05/29/nypd-cops-face-disciplinary-charges-over-george-floyd-style-incident
[3] 3 Things Amy Cooper Did In Central Park To Damage Her Reputation And Career — https://www.forbes.com/sites/terinaallen/2020/05/29/3-things-amy-cooper-did-in-central-park-that-destroyed-her-life
[4] What We Know About the Shooting Death of Ahmaud Arbery — https://www.nytimes.com/article/ahmaud-arbery-shooting-georgia.html
[5] Here’s What You Need to Know About Breonna Taylor’s Death — https://www.nytimes.com/article/breonna-taylor-police.html
[6] George Floyd: What happened in the final moments of his life — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52861726
[7] Target Has a Long History With the Minneapolis Police — https://slate.com/business/2020/05/targets-long-history-with-minneapolis-police.html
[8] The History Behind ‘When The Looting Starts, The Shooting Starts’ — https://www.npr.org/2020/05/29/864818368/the-history-behind-when-the-looting-starts-the-shooting-starts
[9] CNN crew released from police custody after they were arrested live on air in Minneapolis — https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/29/us/minneapolis-cnn-crew-arrested/index.html
[10] The racist roots of American policing: From slave patrols to traffic stops — https://theconversation.com/the-racist-roots-of-american-policing-from-slave-patrols-to-traffic-stops-112816
