Tragic Losses of Young POC at the Hands of Police: A Call to Action

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We have seen their faces and heard their names. We’ve witnessed their tragic deaths online and read their heartbreaking stories. The alarming frequency of police violence against Black individuals, both men and women, continues to rise. While the issue of police brutality isn’t new, the frequency with which we hear reports of unarmed Black individuals being killed is increasingly disturbing. Sadly, young Black men and women are often the most overlooked victims in these narratives.

Recently, in Minnesota, a new tragedy unfolded not far from the location where George Floyd lost his life. DaShawn Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was shot during what should have been an ordinary traffic stop. Officer Kim Parker, who had served on the force for 26 years, resigned just two days after the incident and was subsequently charged with manslaughter. It’s crucial to recognize that our justice system and law enforcement practices must evolve to prevent more lives from being lost. When a police officer takes the life of a person of color, it is a grave instance of gun violence.

We must continue to shed light on those who have lost their lives due to police actions. In the past month, three young boys in Chicago were tragically killed in similar circumstances. Here are their stories:

  • DaShawn Wright: A 20-year-old Black man, DaShawn was shot during a routine traffic stop. Reports indicate that he had a warrant for his arrest due to a missed court date, as the notice had been sent to the wrong address. His car had expired license plates, and an air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror was cited as a possible reason for the stop, sparking concerns of racial profiling by the ACLU of Minnesota.
  • Trey Adams: An 18-year-old accused of stealing from a local store, Trey was involved in a confrontation with security personnel, during which he allegedly fired a weapon. When the police arrived, he engaged in a shootout, resulting in his death. His mother expressed her sorrow, emphasizing that her son did not intend for things to escalate the way they did.
  • Lucas Garcia: A 13-year-old boy, Lucas was shot by Chicago police after they responded to reports of gunfire. His mother stated that Lucas had no prior troubles with the law and had aspirations of becoming a police officer himself. The police later released footage of the incident, further complicating the narrative surrounding his death.
  • Marcus Evans: A 22-year-old who was pursued by police, Marcus allegedly brandished a weapon and was shot multiple times. Following his death, the involved officers were assigned to administrative duties. His family mourned, expressing the profound pain of losing a loved one to police violence.

In the last year alone, nearly 1,000 individuals have been shot and killed by police, with 213 occurring in the first three months of 2021. Of those, 30 were Black individuals. These statistics should ignite a fire within us, compelling us to advocate for police reform and community education. When individuals are blamed for their own deaths, we must recognize the systemic issues at play. Training for police officers on how to handle tense situations without resorting to lethal force is essential.

As a nation, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. The repeated calls for justice, like “Say Her Name” and “Say His Name,” have become tiresome. What we need now is compassion, awareness, and an unwavering commitment to valuing every life—young, old, and Black. It raises the question: how can our police forces transition from taking lives to protecting them?

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In summary, the deaths of young people of color at the hands of law enforcement highlight a critical need for systemic change. We must prioritize compassion, education, and reform to ensure that all lives are valued and protected.