The relationship between the Black community and law enforcement in America has long been fraught with mistrust, violence, and systemic inequity. This tension finds its roots in the era of slavery, where patrols—precursors to modern policing—were established to capture runaway slaves and maintain the oppressive order of the time. These patrols were not designed to protect or serve the Black population but to enforce a system that dehumanized them. This legacy of racialized control and violence has endured, morphing into the systemic injustices we witness today.
In the modern era, police brutality has become a stark representation of this ongoing oppression. Incidents involving the violent deaths of unarmed Black men, women, and children have drawn national and international attention, sparking protests and calls for accountability. Despite these movements, many officers responsible for excessive force or killings have escaped significant consequences, deepening the community’s mistrust. For Black Americans, the sight of flashing police lights often carries an implicit question: “Will I survive this encounter?”
The similarities between the overseers of slavery and today’s police forces are undeniable. Both systems disproportionately target Black bodies, enforce a hierarchy rooted in white supremacy, and employ violence as a means of control. The persistent nature of this dynamic has left scars on the collective psyche of the Black community, leading many to view law enforcement not as protectors, but as perpetrators of systemic harm.
Notable Incidents of Police Brutality Against Black Americans
- George Floyd (2020)
George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis sparked a global movement. Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes, ignoring pleas that he couldn’t breathe. Chauvin was later convicted of murder, but the systemic issues remain unresolved. -
Breonna Taylor (2020)
Louisville police shot Breonna Taylor in her home during a botched raid. Despite public outcry, none of the officers were charged directly with her death, highlighting systemic failures in accountability. -
Eric Garner (2014)
Eric Garner’s death in Staten Island, caused by a police chokehold, became a rallying cry for justice. Despite video evidence and Garner’s repeated “I can’t breathe,” the officer involved faced no criminal charges. -
Tamir Rice (2014)
Twelve-year-old Tamir Rice was fatally shot by police in Cleveland while holding a toy gun. The officer who killed him was not charged, underscoring the dangers Black children face. -
Sandra Bland (2015)
Sandra Bland was arrested during a routine traffic stop in Texas and later found dead in her jail cell. Her death was ruled a suicide, but the circumstances remain highly contested. -
Philando Castile (2016)
Philando Castile was shot during a traffic stop in Minnesota while reaching for his ID. The officer who killed him was acquitted, despite live-streamed evidence from Castile’s partner. -
Michael Brown (2014)
The killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, sparked national protests. A grand jury chose not to indict the officer, igniting debates on systemic racism in law enforcement. -
Alton Sterling (2016)
Alton Sterling was shot in Baton Rouge while pinned to the ground by police. The officers involved were not charged, fueling outrage over police accountability. -
Atatiana Jefferson (2019)
Atatiana Jefferson was killed in her home in Fort Worth, Texas, by a police officer conducting a welfare check. The officer was later charged with manslaughter. -
Amadou Diallo (1999)
Amadou Diallo, an unarmed immigrant from Guinea, was shot 41 times by NYPD officers. All four officers involved were acquitted, sparking widespread protests.
A Call for Accountability and Change
The Black community’s mistrust of police is deeply rooted in the historical and ongoing patterns of violence and injustice. Each name in this tragic list represents not just a loss but a failure of the justice system to protect and serve all citizens equally. These incidents highlight the pervasive racial bias that continues to permeate American policing, reinforcing the notion that Black lives are expendable in the eyes of the law.
The parallels between overseers of slavery and today’s police officers remind us that systemic change requires more than surface-level reforms. Both systems were built to maintain racial hierarchies, and dismantling these structures demands comprehensive accountability, including transparent investigations, consequences for misconduct, and community-driven oversight. Without such changes, the cycle of violence and mistrust will persist.
It is essential for allies and advocates to amplify the voices of those demanding justice and equity. By addressing the root causes of police brutality and challenging the systems that perpetuate it, we can honor the lives lost and work towards a society where law enforcement truly protects and serves all. The time for action is long overdue.