I think about little Zianna and her speech and strength often. If you've spent enough time on here, you'd notice that I tend to avoid commentary on current affairs and all the craziness going on in the world, and for good reason (math stuff, nuff said). I'm very over protective of my personal space aka this site and the content I post. Basically, this is my little space to vent, create and vent some more about things pertaining to me - and that's actually to get away from taking in everything going on outside of my immediate vicinity. There's nothing wrong with that, obviously. However, there is something else that is very wrong and disturbing and disappointing to me that I can no longer be silent about.
It occurs every time we hear any of these devastating stories of these despicable law enforcers and these vile racists who are consumed with so much unwarranted fear, anger and hate. I'm talking about the female victims of police brutality and how they're rarely ever the focal point of all the anger and protesting. There have been too many Breonna Taylors, Sandra Blands and worse, Aiyana Jones' but their lives, stories and deaths get pushed to the background EVERY SINGLE TIME. And unless you're simple minded, you know I'm not trying to make it a competition against black male and female deaths or anything like that. I just want people to be aware that there is a disproportionate amount of detail and care that goes into highlighting the deaths and tragic stories of black females compared to black males. Whether we're talking about police brutality or murder or trafficking- it's the same thing all across the board. And this is in and outside of America.
Today I just found out about the awful story of 16-year-old Tina Ezekwe in Nigeria. She was mistakenly shot and killed by a police officer there less than a week ago. She was an innocent child who died at the hands of a trigger happy police man. This is the story that inspired this post to be quite honest with you because why aren't we talking about what happened to her? Does her life not matter enough?
Listen, I'm every bit involved in Black Lives Matter and absolutely here for standing up for any racial injustice against my people -male or female but a whole lot of people with my same stance are hypocrites. Keep the exact same energy for the countless women and girls who have lost their lives in the same tragic way George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Mike Brown and so many others have.
Sorry if this is incoherent, but like most of the world right now I'm heart-broken, emotionally exhausted and outraged for an array of reasons. I just want people to give a damn about black women and girls and acknowledge by their actions that this shit really happens to us too. I want to see more done in every sense, relating to getting justice for all. Just don't forget about our sisters, mothers, daughters in the process. This is why #SayHerName is so important. Knowing their names and acknowledging what happened to them helps us to remember their story and include them each and every time we're working on eradicating injustice.
If you can't protest, donate, if you can't donate, spread the word. Just do something.
Also, It's okay if you don't know about each and every story as they happen, but don't remain in your ignorance - educate yourself and stand for something.
Most importantly, protect yourself mentally and emotionally. It's not healthy to fully immerse yourself in these depressing stories 24/7. We need the mental strength and sound minds to work together to fight for justice after all.
Some important links, ways to help and more details:
Tina, Uwa and Jennifer's Murders
Regis Korchinski-Paquet's Story and facts 'Police kill unarmed blacks often especially women, study finds'
Petition for Regis Donate to NAACP Legal Defense Fund