He was killed, and it was all recorded. These chilling words resonate within our society too frequently. The trauma is palpable, witnessing a Black man or woman lose their life, either captured by a bystander’s camera or the body-worn camera of an officer. The recent death of Marcus Jones in Philadelphia on January 13 is just one example among many, including the tragic murders of Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, Philando Castile, and George Floyd.
Today, I want to focus on another unarmed Black man from Chicago — David Brooks. At 41 years old, he was partially clothed, handcuffed, and left in the street with a spit hood over his head after an encounter with police. When he attempted to rise, he was forcefully pushed onto the ground, leading to his untimely death just two minutes later. He lay lifeless on the streets of Rochester, New York, on March 23, 2020, while visiting his brother.
Almost a year after his death, New York State Attorney General Lisa Monroe announced the grand jury’s outcome on February 23, 2021. The jury chose not to indict any of the officers involved in David’s death. Despite the murder being recorded and classified as a homicide by the medical examiner, no one faced consequences. This tragic situation has become so commonplace that we find ourselves desensitized to it. The expectation of accountability for the deaths of Black and brown individuals, even when recorded, feels like a distant hope.
In her heartfelt televised statement, which lasted 11 minutes, Lisa Monroe expressed the frustration of the criminal justice system in holding law enforcement accountable for the unjust killings of unarmed African Americans. She said, “The criminal justice system has repeatedly failed to address the unjustified killing of unarmed African Americans, and the thread that connects these cases is the tragic loss of life.” She concluded, “We have witnessed history repeat itself in the case of David Brooks. The need for reform in the criminal justice system is urgent.”
Monroe’s passionate words deserve serious consideration. Her commitment to advocating for legislative changes within a broken system to ensure police accountability is commendable. She spoke with conviction, compassion, and an understanding that reforming such a flawed system will be challenging, but she remains dedicated.
Her message starkly contrasts that of another Black Attorney General, Michael Evans of Kentucky, who supported the grand jury’s decision in the Breonna Taylor case. His announcement on September 23, 2020, regarding the lack of charges against the police officers involved, was delivered in a stiff, matter-of-fact manner. Accusations of mishandling the case by Taylor’s family followed. An NPR report indicated that Evans did not recommend any charges against the officers responsible for the death of the 26-year-old Black woman.
Every grand jury decision not to indict sends a clear message — that Black lives are undervalued. From 2015 to February 2021, Black Americans were fatally shot by police officers at a rate of 35 per million, compared to 14 fatal shootings of white Americans.
Following the decisions regarding Breonna and David, protests erupted, demanding change and justice. With two Black lives lost and no accountability, the anger and frustration were palpable. I felt a profound sense of dread, reminiscent of a time when my grandparents’ lives were not valued. The absence of charges against the officers heightened my anxiety; I found myself anxiously peering out my window at every passing headlight, fearing it might be a police officer approaching the wrong house.
Listening to Michael Evans’s announcement filled me with rage, while Lisa Monroe’s words left me despondent. I mourned for two individuals I had never met, reflecting on the broader implications of these cases.
Yet, despite my anger, I empathized with both Evans and Monroe, recognizing the difficult positions they hold as they convey such tragic news. Navigating their roles within a flawed system must be incredibly challenging. These Black Attorneys General must have faith in a system that often undermines their efforts for justice. However, history cannot be changed, and the fight for justice is a battle they must face.
The reality is that our policing system requires significant reform and improved training, emphasizing that the use of firearms should be a last resort. Racism exists within our society, and this extends to law enforcement. Some officers demonstrate compassion, while others do not. It’s critical to establish a police force that reflects our society’s values and understands the importance of de-escalation.
Implementing new strategies within law enforcement, such as separating teams based on their response to calls, could lead to more effective policing. Each incident should be handled by professionals committed to preserving life and accountability, rather than defaulting to violence.
We urgently need laws and training that hold all individuals, including police officers, accountable for their actions and the lives they take, just like that of David Brooks.
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In summary, the deaths of unarmed Black individuals like David Brooks highlight systemic failures within the justice system. The contrasting responses from different Attorneys General reflect broader societal attitudes toward accountability. It’s essential that we advocate for reform in policing and the justice system to ensure that every life is valued equally.