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Opinion: Can We BREATHE?





Today, former Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin who killed George Floyd by kneeling on his neck has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder. Three other officers were also at the scene of the crime on May 25, 2020. Since then, we have seen the anger, hurt, frustration, and heartache of Black people and those who identify with us across this nation. We've seen image after image of Black people that have been killed unjustly killed--Ahmad Arbery, Brionna Taylor, Mike Brown, Trayvon Martin, Freddie Gray, and the list goes on. We've endured the dehumanization of us and we're tired.

Last night, the fever in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Louisville, Kentucky reached an all-time high with protesters who were angry at the injustices. Louisville was where Breonna Taylor lived. CNN reporter Omar Jimenez along with his producer and photojournalist were reportedly arrested while attempting to cover the story. This piece is not about the riots. It's a call for us to BREATHE. It's a call for us to take care of ourselves. It's a call for us to stop scrolling if we need it. We are living through traumatic events and it's important to BREATHE.

For history's sake, let's talk about the fact that it's still a pandemic going on--COVID-19. And even through that, we have to endure racist white people calling the police on us because they can't stand the fact that we BREATHE the same air they do. Just ask Christian Cooper, the Black professor who had the police called on him for bird watching and minding his business in Central Park. Why, Amy Cooper? Why?

Even though we just had one victory with the arrest of Chauvin, we need a conviction and the other 3 officers to be be brought to justice. Every time we turn on our phones or TVs, there's another reminder of how we are not considered to be equal. Enough is enough! And to MY PEOPLE and those who support us as humans: let's BREATHE.




















Related Articles: #Ferguson:About a Mother's Tears
                            No Justice by man, but by God
                            
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