It’s summer, and the pests are really out in force. I was going to write a post about interesting and bazaar facts about mosquitoes. I’ll save the information for another time.
But there is something that’s buzzing around my head that I’ve been swatting at for the past week.
Did you know that fatal force by police officers is the 6th leading cause of death for young black men in America?
Based on a study conducted by Michigan, Rutgers, and Washington universities, the proof is in the stats. This is a deadly stinging reality.
Is policing a public health hazard of young black men?
Most people, especially blacks, are aware of policing inequities in stops, searches, and incarcerations. Being jailed is a bummer, but jailed offenders have rights and can seek redress for any wrongdoings.
There is no liberty and no redress for the dead.
The study states 100 out of 100,000 black men will be killed by lethal force by police officers.
This egregious killing of blacks demands a national health emergency be declared.
We are all too familiar with the carnage caused by trigger happy white cops during traffic stops involving young men of color. In the past ten years, cops have killed many unarmed black men and women with impunity.
The university researchers said the lethal force includes: gunshot, beating, asphyxiation, and other lethal methods. The report goes on to say that fatal force trails suicide, accidental death, other homicides, cancer, and heart disease as a leading cause of death.
Several weeks ago, the world witnessed a knee-to-neck hold by a white police officer that killed George Floyd, who was on the ground handcuffed.
Killing black men is a healthcare crisis in America!
Black Lives Matter!
Black lives should matter to all communities, towns, cities, counties, states, nations, and countries.
The university researchers’ report regarding black deaths by police is based on news reports and public records. Police departments don’t want citizens to know the extent of the problem. Their self-reported arrest-related deaths are few and far between. In addition, only a few flagrant killings receive primetime media attention.
And it is almost unheard of for an officer, especially white, to be convicted of manslaughter or murder, even when the victim wasn’t armed.
What’s the likelihood that a young black man will be killed by police compared to white males?
The report cites that black males are approximately 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police than white counterparts.
Justice for George Floyd.
America, stop the unjustified killing of young black men!
Rid law enforcement of ruthless racist cops!
Convict officers who kill blacks without probable cause!
BLM – Black Lives Matter!