Every day, police and private citizens alike murder Black and Brown individuals and escape accountability. This is where such cases stand.
Colorado
- Elijah McClain
- Why we’re watching: Aurora has settled in principle with Elijah McClain’s family, which has been seeking reforms ever since his death. In 2019, police officers harassed McClain for no legitimate reason, injecting him with a lethal dose of ketamine. City officials did not disclose the details of the settlement, but McClain’s family now has some closure amid their ongoing organizing efforts.
Georgia
- Ahmaud Arbery
- Why we’re watching: This week, the men responsible for chasing down and murdering Ahmaud Arbery in cold, racist blood are standing trial. A video of the incident is poised to take center stage, with many observers noting its likeness to slave patrol propaganda. The fight for accountability here is just beginning, and we hope it doesn’t take too long.
Illinois
- Laquan McDonald
- Why we’re watching: Chicago police murdered Laquan McDonald in 2014, leading to a barrage of resignations, failed reelection bids, and oversight complaints in the Windy City. Rahm Emanuel was mayor at the time and largely escaped the resulting blowback from activists and the Black community. On the seventh anniversary of McDonald’s death, the Senate held a confirmation hearing for Emanuel, who’s seeking the ambassadorship to Japan.
- Marcellis Stinette
- Why we’re watching: How long does accountability take? In the police murder of Marcellis Stinette, it’s taken over a year. Despite the combined efforts of the State of Illinois and the FBI, Stinette’s family has not found any closure. That same family is now mounting a pressure campaign to force investigators to do the right thing – promptly.
Pennsylvania
- Fanta Bility
- Why we’re watching: Police gunfire was responsible for the death of 8-year-old Fanta Billy over the summer in Philadelphia. Despite plenty of eyewitnesses, no charges have been filed against the three officers responsible for firing into a crowd. Bility’s family and community are now demonstrating regularly to demand accountability.
What do you think of the bills in this week’s legislative roundup? Did we miss anything? Drop us a line on any of our social channels or hit us up through our contact us form. Let us know what’s happening in YOUR neighborhood!
