8 minutes and 46 seconds symbolizes just how long Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck which eventually lead to his death. Yet the coroner says George wasn’t healthy; therefore he died because he had underlying conditions. The coroner should face charges too if you ask me.

Why is this case so different? Many others suffered worse, some may think. Well like we won’t forget George, I’ll also never forget Sean Bell. He was just 23 years old. The night before he was supposed to get married after his bachelor’s party, undercover New York City cops unloaded 50 rounds onto his vehicle killing the young man. My mind couldn’t imagine the pain of the would-be/soon-to-be bride and how she could’ve felt. The next day she was supposed to be confessing “I do,” yet she was packing her dress back into the closet. All plans to a halt.

And then there was Philando Castile. Another one I remember so well. Reverse age, he was 32 years old. The police was conducting a traffic stop so while the officers asked Philando a series of questions, his girlfriend decided to film this encounter. Officer asked for his license and registration as Philando reached for it, he was open with the police and told them that he had a weapon on him and that he wasn’t reaching for it. Suddenly and without warrant, the office shot Philando 5-7 times, killing him in front of his girlfriend and 4 year old daughter that was seated in the backseat.

Those are the two events that stuck with me over the years. So I ask again, what makes George Floyd’s situation so different? Well, his death will sit with millions and millions of people around the world. No one can un-see that video, all 8 minutes and 46 seconds of it as bystanders begged Officer Chauvin to remove his knee off of George’s neck. And how so nonchalantly Derek knelt with his hands in his pockets, face expressionless.

(pic from cnn.com)

For years, we have been screaming about racism being alive, well, and spreading. We’ve spoke constantly about our mistreatment and how justice has not been on our side. I heard the justice system wasn’t designed correctly and that it wasn’t fair as it relates to the treatment of African Americans. Here recently I’ve heard that it was designed correctly as it is operating exactly how they (the Man) designed it to work.

All of these years our screams and tears have been essentially gone unheard and often times categorized as “race baiting.” Everything is about race with us, they say. We are looking for an excuse, others say. But the difference now is that, they got a chance to see if for themselves. Everyone that have been trying to shut us up for years, can’t deny those 8 minutes and 46 seconds. They can’t explain it away. To see that video, they have to deal with it.

And guess what? We have nothing but time. The world has been shut down due to the coronavirus. So instead of being busy with our own lives, we’ve been occupied by our thoughts. There was no escaping the death of George Floyd. It wasn’t a quick (less than 30 seconds) distorted or inaudible video. It was a long clear video of individuals pleading with Officer Chauvin and 3 other officers to allow George Floyd to breath.

What better time than now to deal with our demons. What better time to deal with our deep darkest secrets, thoughts, and cruelties. What better time than now to SEE as our eyes are wide open. Can you hear us now?

Thanks for your attention. Remember you are your own competition.

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