Democrats Abroad - GLOBAL BLACK CAUCUS
Sun. Nov 21, 2021, For immediate release.
While the outcome of the criminal trial of Kyle Rittenhouse is disappointing, it is not a surprise. We have seen this far too often. An armed vigilante acting in self-defense shoots and kills an unarmed person.
The law in Kenosha, Wisconsin makes it legal for a person to kill in so-called “self-defense” if they feel their life is threatened. This is the case in many States based on an unequal law rooted in slavery. It essentially gave a slave owner the right to shoot and kill a slave who was trying to flee, resist punishment or help another who might be unjustly punished.
Trayvon Martin was killed by a “neighborhood watch” who followed and chased him, provoking the teen to act in self-defense. The unarmed teenager’s self-defense was no match for the armed “neighborhood watch” who shot and killed him and was acquitted of all charges.
Tamir Rice had a toy gun and was shot dead on the scene by police. He was 12 years old.
Let’s not forget the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, after an altercation with police officers spurred the unrest in Kenosha and no charges were filed against the officers involved in Blake’s shooting.
It must be clear and it must be stated that laws around guns and self-defense serve an America built on slavery and white supremacy. This America no longer exists and we shall not let it persist.
The best way to bring change is to activate, mobilize and vote:
Activate: Organize with those in your community to peacefully protest.
Mobilize: Get your Congresspersons into action, let them know you want gun laws that keep us all safe.
Vote: Your vote count and it matters. Vote for candidates that support real gun reform, acknowledge the racial injustices in our society and want to do something about it.
Love and Light,
Leedonal (Jazz) Moore, GBC Chair