Justice for black lives
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The issue of police violence waged against Black people has been reignited after the deaths of two young black men – within the space of a month – in Hackney, after being arrested by police officers. It is important to stand in unity with the families of the victims and fight for justice giving real meaning to the name: Black Lives Matter.
Rashan Charles’s death following his arrest by the police comes only a month after the death of Edson Da Costa who died in a similar fashion. Hackney Stand Up to Racism organised a solidarity vigil on Monday, where the fathers of both victims attended, urging for justice for their sons and for all black lives lost at the hands of the police.
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There is a long history of police violence wielded specifically against the black community. INQUEST reports a high proportion of BAME deaths either as a result of being detained in police custody or from coming into contact with the police. Attempted apprehensions that result in deaths have never produced satisfactory reports from investigating bodies such as the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
The police officer who headlocked Charles before his death has not been suspended nor has he been relieved from active field duty, demonstrating the lack of sensitivity to the local community and a refusal to acknowledge why black people are mistrusting of the police. The United Families and Friends Campaign highlights numerous cases of black men dying in police custody. The campaign is an ongoing battle for justice that has spanned multiple decades.
A protest does not solve the problem of racism, but it is a galvanising mechanism drawing in people from the wider community to stand in solidarity with the victims. Solidarity being the key word. Stand Up to Racism is organising another solidarity vigil on July 29 for Charles and Da Costa. It is important for all anti-racists to show solidarity with victims of police violence. Staying silent by the wayside leaves affected families and a whole community to fend for themselves. We should stand in unity behind Black Lives Matter.
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