The swift action of the Memphis police department and prosectors in bringing charges against the officers involved in Tyre’s murder is commendable. It shows a real level of accountability for the officers’ horrific actions. Unfortunately, it came only after the realization that their special Scorpion unit had insufficient training and very little accountability prior to this murder. Disbanding that unit was an important step. However, it also reveals the need for systemic change in policing throughout the country to reduce the ongoing litany of Black deaths at the hands of police whether or not the deaths are caught on video. There is some momentum for reform at the federal level, but the deep political divisions that persist make it very difficult if not unlikely that significant police reform will be passed. The second video posted below summarizes that situation.
Especially for those of us who are white, Black History Month represents an opportunity to learn more about the contributions of Black people throughout our nation’s history. It also represents a challenge to acknowledge and confront the ways in which the deep roots of racism are still bearing “strange and bitter fruit” today.