The Cover Up #16shots

By now we have become a country that has become too familiar with the common practice of white police officers killing black men without proper cause.

The latest murder is close to home for me, right here in my city of Chicago. Laquan McDonald, a 17 year old black youth, was shot 16 times over 1 year ago on October 20, 2014.  16 times in 15 seconds, armed with a knife yet not attacking anyone.  Sadly, Laquan being senselessly gunned down is not the surprising factor, it is that there was a cover up from many officials throughout the city.  Since the announcement 4 days ago, there have been daily protests with the exception of Thanksgiving day.  The largest protest came yesterday, on Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. The idea was to stand in unity to send a strong message out economically. Early reports indicate that hundreds of million dollars was lost when protesters took of the Magnificent Mile, which is a 1 mile stretch on Michigan Ave, which is home to 3 malls and large number of upscale retailers. Water Tower Place is the oldest and most popular mall on Michigan Ave. #weshutitdown This Apple Store has neve been empty during business hours. #weshutitdown  I’ve been a part of 8 or 9 protests in my lifetime, but I must say being a part of this one yesterday was very different. 

 There was more unity amoung races and ages than I have ever seen at any protest.  I saw more elders in their 60s and 70, I hugged more strangers and shed more tears with strangers than I ever thought possible.   This little white child caught my attention because they were out supporting with their parent and that was great. I was moved to see parent educating their kids. What that child did not realize is that the sign doesn’t hold true for them. Because of the tone of your skin, young child, you will never be seen as a threat and be gunned down. That’s your reality.  

Prayerfully there will be full justice beyond just  the officer being charged with first degree murder.  Let’s see if the charge turns into a conviction and if there is a suitable sentence that the family can be at peace with. I pray the cover up, which is the secondary crime that runs deep within city officials, is brought to light and those involved are held accountability.  Laquan is another young black man that was made famous in death. Laquan is my son, my brother, my cousin, my nephew. I stand, I march, I protest, I speak for him. His name is added to the ongoing book of #blacklivesmatter.  Yes, all lives matter but as a black person in the United States, I am constantly reminded that our lives matter less.