The #1 Lesson I Learned from the Death of Breonna Taylor

Sep 24

Written By Stacey

It’s not like it’s a surprise.

I don’t know that there is a black person living in the United States that is aware of the events involving the death of Breonna Taylor and truly felt that justice would be served. I mean, I think we all hoped it…But, being killed while black has happened so many times without a just verdict on the murderers that we almost wouldn’t dare believe that the country would step up to the plate to deliver a just decision for her either.

Almost.

And that sliver of hope that the United States of America would live up to what it has consistently professed itself to be since its origin drew droves of people out to protest anyway. Her name rang out so much, one would almost feel like we were seeking justice for a little sister or cousin. That same little sliver of hope is exactly why when we all learned together that the two officers whose bullets killed her were not charged at all, and the one that was charged would be tried based on recklessly shooting into a nearby apartment where nobody was killed, that we all felt that familiar disgust and heaved the same sigh we have been for years.

The fight against racism and injustice is systematic. It is designed to make you tired.

Tired of protesting.

Tired of hoping.

Tired of listening.

Tired of fighting.

How many comments will we see where those who do not share the same color of skin will justify the behaviors of those who kill someone who is unarmed…and in this case, innocent? Better yet, asleep in their bed? No. Deadly force was deemed justifiable against a woman whom had previously dated someone bad, had not raised a weapon toward them, and likely was “in fear for her life” due to the fact that they had not announced themselves (I’m sorry, one neighbor who said they did versus ten witnesses that say they didn’t…there’s no confusion for me). Yet, there were not even any charges.

It would almost be unbelievable if it wasn’t so played.

It’s difficult to come back from a setback like this. I didn’t know this woman personally. But, as a black person in general and a black woman in particular, the pain of this is felt deep in our souls. It’s meant to be.

Fortunately, there are people who do not agree with these kinds of decisions. They disagree so wholeheartedly that they’d be willing to stand up for it.

I met Jeff Day today near my local supermarket.

He and a couple of his friends were standing on a corner, protesting yesterday’s news. It was an unexpected glimmer of hope that allowed me a moment to set aside the pain and see that there is still some good in this country.

As he flew a flag stating, “Black Lives Matter” over his head, many cars beeped and honked pausing and stopping briefly to show their support. It was a visible representation that maybe…just maybe, there will come a day when justice will actually prevail. While I probably won’t hold my breath for it…I will choose to hope for it another day.