Talisman Philanthropy

Breonna Taylor – Sucker Punch #2

September 29, 2020 at 11:10 am Barbara Talisman, CFRE Leave a comment

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday September 23th, thinking I had somewhat caught my equilibrium from the death of #RBG, I was hit again by the judicial system gone wrong.

I grew up hearing the words and learning the history of of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – Peaceful protests. Back then, there were many who advocated for more forceful and less peaceful acts for change. They may have been proven right.

My anger joins others regarding the police treatment and killing of our fellow Americans of color. Maybe violence is the only way to get attention before the revolution – or prevents it before civil war.

Breonna Taylor was a medical first responder putting her life at risk during a pandemic – thinking she was safe in her own home. Is any person of color in America safe?

We have hit a boiling point and a release is coming.

Before the grand jury decision, anger and violence in communities and campuses across America was growing. On top of a global pandemic placing American lives at risk and chipping away at our education, unemployment and economic systems. People of color at higher risk from Covid and at the will of a justice and election system run by white people of privilege. We are in a perfect storm for revolution – a release from all that is wrong in the world today and impacting people of color more – their health, jobs, education, families and communities.

Breonna’s killing, and killings of so many people of color who have preceded her, has tested my belief in America. Yes I know, white privilege, the KKK, fascism and racism have been a part of America forever – but I foolishly believed it was not part of our justice system. This racism has so permeated America and grown during the elections. The Handmaid’s Tale is coming to reality.

Then, even after there was a loud cry (literal and figurative), from around the country about Breonna’s killing – the Kentucky Grand Jury released the police from any criminal charges related to the killing of a woman in her own home. This is not about a “no knock warrant” this is about a corrupt and racist justice system.

Those who have sworn to protect our neighbors and neighborhoods – some police in America made choices that put our friends, neighbors and fellow Americans at risk because of the color of their skin. And we have learned some have been encouraged by their associations, unions and Chiefs.

Say their names, indeed, lest they be forgotten. I am angry and sad for the families who have lost their children and communities torn apart.

Entry filed under: Fundraising. Tags: #breonna, #breonnataylor.