There comes a time when words fail us, rational thought eludes us, and the effort to communicate overwhelms you to the point of almost no return. So, I sit here dumbfounded and utterly disgusted, without even the illusion of the comfort of words.
Policing for me was a calling. A deep rooted desire to protect and defend my people and community. I will not lie, it’s been something of a ride. Many have disappointed, and many have risen above their situations and circumstances to lean into their purpose, as I have mine. Many enriching, life long relationships being built along the way.
My heart breaks not only for the senseless loss of Tyre Nichols’, for what it has done to this family and community. My heart breaks for the lost opportunity that this young man and father sought in Memphis to get his life turned around and on the right track. My spirit is broken, because those charged with protecting his right to do so, looked just like him, and did it all without any regard for his or their own humanity. For 9 minutes they beat this man, while he screamed in agony for his mother. This man who looked like them, could have been their brother, or cousin, but none of that mattered. So, once again, I am forced to search for words to help me understand this injustice and only one comes to mind…Evil, and it proves the point that when our society and institutions allow evil to plant its seed and grow unchecked, it is no longer a racial issue, but an issue of a systemic nature.
I believe I was called by my God to do this work. I believe this love I have for the people of my community inoculates me against this evil and I pray that it continues to do so. I hope my words resonate with members of the Law Enforcement Community, so that we start demanding from ourselves and our leadership a Zero Evil Tolerance Policy. There’s too much at stake, and we are out of road to kick the can down.
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This Post is republished on Medium.
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