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Many Black women were elated over Kamala Harris’ rise only to experience new horror over the video of Massey’s killing. One activist likened the whiplash to a ‘domestic violence relationship.’
Hannah Drake felt a profound sense of emotional whiplash upon witnessing the video of an Illinois police officer killing Sonya Massey. Drake, a 48-year-old activist, described the experience as the “dichotomy of being a Black woman in America.”
The bodycam footage, which showed the 36-year-old Black mother of two being shot in her own kitchen, was released earlier this week. Massey had called 911 to report a possible intruder in her Springfield home, only to be shot thirty minutes later.
The incident unfolded as another deputy was clearing the house. Deputy Sean Grayson aggressively yelled at Massey to put down a pot of boiling water, despite having previously given her permission to do so. Grayson’s threatening words, “I swear to God. I’ll f— shoot you right in your f— face,” were followed by a shot fired at Massey’s head.
The release of this footage coincided with the Democratic Party’s support for Vice President Kamala Harris, who was being positioned as the presumptive nominee to replace President Joe Biden. This development had elated many Black women, who often feel overlooked by the Democratic Party.
“It’s like we’re in a domestic violence relationship with America,” Drake said. “It’s like a honeymoon phase, and then it’s right back to violence.”
Drake’s sentiments resonate with many who feel a sense of betrayal and confusion in the face of ongoing violence against Black individuals. This emotional turmoil is reminiscent of the collective grief and anger felt in the wake of the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, which had previously sparked a nationwide call for racial reckoning.
Despite the promises of major companies and lawmakers to address racial disparities and police violence, progress has been slow, particularly at the federal level. Last year, police killings in the U.S. reached a record high, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
Harris reached out to the Massey family to offer her condolences, stating, “We have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name.” This call for justice is echoed by many activists who view Massey’s killing as another urgent reminder of the work that lies ahead.
‘Russian roulette’
Timothy Findley Jr., a pastor in Louisville, Kentucky, has been an outspoken advocate for justice following the death of Breonna Taylor. In light of Massey’s case, Findley expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the work he has done, stating that the relationship between Black individuals and law enforcement often feels like a game of “Russian roulette.”
“You call 911, and it’s almost like Russian roulette. Depending on who you get, it could be the end of your life,” Findley said, highlighting the inherent dangers in calling for help.
DeRay McKesson, a prominent civil rights activist and leader of the organization Campaign Zero, has been at the forefront of efforts to pass local and state policies to reduce police violence. McKesson noted that the last decade has seen a sustained period of activism, with several states adopting restrictions on no-knock raids, a practice that has been linked to police violence.
Renewed calls for action
Despite the progress made, McKesson emphasized that much work remains to be done. In the wake of Massey’s death, he stressed the need for a thorough examination of local police policies, which often lack accountability.
“Imagine if you had a job where no matter what you did, it was impossible to be held accountable,” he said, underscoring the need for reform at the local level.
Lonita Baker, an attorney who represented Taylor’s family, echoed McKesson’s sentiments, arguing that a cultural change within law enforcement is as crucial as policy reform. “We can have all the legislation in the world, but if we still have the bad people, they’re still going to do bad things,” Baker said.
As activists and community leaders call for change, the need for thoughtful hiring practices and accountability within police departments has become increasingly urgent. Baker placed the onus for policy action on Congress, which has yet to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
Trahern Crews, an activist and founder of Black Lives Matter Minnesota, urged Democrats to prioritize racial justice ahead of the 2024 general election. “Massey’s death is just a wake-up call for all of us across the country that we still have a lot of work to do,” Crews said, calling for continued organization and pressure on elected officials.
Bodycam footage shows fatal shooting of Sonya Massey
Bodycam footage captured the moments in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey in the Springfield, Illinois area.
Contributing: Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register
