Thread by @mtalkstv, In this thread I’m going to explain some misconceptions, facts, origins etc [...]

In this thread I’m going to explain some misconceptions, facts, origins etc about violence towards black people in America. [A thread] #BlackLivesMatter

#RIPGeorgeFloyd

In this thread I’m going to explain some misconceptions, facts, origins etc about violence towards black people in America. [A thread] #BlackLivesMatter #RIPGeorgeFloyd

When I so often think about my childhood, and the education I received I see it shrouded in privilege. I am white, I grew up in a white family, I grew up in a predominantly white and wealthy area and so on and so forth. My childhood is shrouded around white privilege.

…Because of this I have a duty to speak out when I see disgusting violence against black people continually brewing in America, but the truth is the violence has never left society, only as social media has increased in popularity more, people are made aware of this sad truth.

MISCONCEPTION: The Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery: FALSE. On January 1, 1863 Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."

…Many have taken this to believe he ended the act of slavery which is not true, he only freed southern slaves as those states were in rebellion to the northern states. There have been accounts of southern slaves coming north and selflessly helping Lincoln and his union army.

FACT: 2 years later the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, but violence and segregation still remained in American society.

FACT: Police killed almost 104 unarmed black people in 2015, about two people each week. (In America)

FACT: Tamir Rice was shot dead after he was playing with a noticeably fake BB gun (stated by the person who reported) in a parking lot. When his sister ran to his aid she was arrested. It would take the officers another 4 minutes to finally administer aid. He was 12 years old.

FACT: While walking down a street with friends Micheal Brown Jr. was shot and killed 8 times by a police officer. He was 18 years old.

FACT: Unarmed black people were killed 5 times the amount of unarmed white people in 2015. (In America)

FACT: Darrius Stewart was stopped by police for a broken headlight and put in the back of a police car as he was suspected of having outstanding warrants. After becoming “combative” (according to police at the scene) Darrius was shot and killed.

…Darrius’ mother has since confirmed the warrants were for someone with the same name, having nothing to do with Darrius. No officers have since been charged.

FACT: In only 4 cases of police violence towards black people (in 2015) the officers involved have been convicted and sentenced for their crimes. However, none were sentenced to serve more than 4 years in prison.

I could continue this part of the thread for a VERY long time but there are simply so many accounts of unjustified police violence towards Black people to count. You can find out about more cases here: https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/unarmed2014

2014 Unarmed Victims — Mapping Police Violence

https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/unarmed2014

Throughout history and in our history books we are so often pointed to white heroes, white inventors, white leaders and rarely the incredible talent and leadership black people have demonstrated in history.

…In this part of the thread I’m going to share some information about some unsung black heroes.

Dorothy Height: After receiving two degrees in the 1930s, she became the assistant executive director of the Harlem Y.M.C.A. She was incredibly involved in anti-lynching protests and brought it public attention.

…In the 1950s she continued her activism and campaigned for the ending of school segregation.

Marsha P. Johnson: As an LGBTQ activist and trans woman she co-founded STAR with Sylvia Rivera, an organization which helped to house and feed homeless LGBT youth, as well as sex workers in New York City.

Mark Dean: Mark is an accomplished engineer and computer scientist. He began working at IBM in the 80s and was instrumental in the development of the PC as well as other projects. If it wasn’t for Mark we quite possibly wouldn’t have the colour capable PC monitor today.

Ella Baker: Baker was one of the main foundations to the campaigns across America in the mid 20th century. She continually organised rally’s and protests behind the scenes. She also worked with the Student Nonviolent coordinating committee and mentored many young activists.

Please remember, in a world which is so overcome by racism it’s simply not enough to be non-racist, you have to be anti racist. To simply say nothing is you choosing a side.