They see killing us as a sport.
If there is one thing 2020 has made clear, it is that they liken the lives of black persons to animals, i.e. things that need to be ‘put down’ when they are unable to be put in order. Because they are obsessed with putting us in our ‘rightful place’, and sometimes that place is the grave. These people cannot fathom the idea that our lives are sacred, for that disgusts them. If our lives were sacred, that would mean that we ought to be respected accordingly, and that is evidently a no can do. Respecting us is inconvenient, it goes against the agenda, it presents a mental challenge to them. So that’s not even an option.
I have seen the lives of black people being treated like insects over the past few months; “just kill it and get on with your day.” It is a casual thing to disregard the sanctity of the black body. All that happens afterward is a cry of outrage, a trend of performative activism, and a call for justice that is never picked up. In other words (or how they see it): mere entertainment. This is why they don’t mind thieving our breath, for they have always enjoyed theatrics, and that is all this really is to them.
Even when our lives have been stolen, they don’t even afford us the decency of keeping our living names. Why do they rename us when we die? Upon an encounter with death, we are suddenly called ‘thug’, ‘gang member’, ‘hooligan’ and anything else under the sun that justifies their theft of life. Because it’s okay to kill someone as long as they were misbehaving, right? It’s okay to take away someone’s brother, child, or friend, as long as they committed a mere offence, yeah? It’s okay to employ the role of executioner in the 21st century as long as you can justify that you were scared, right? A fear that – might I add – only seems to come upon you when you see that your target is black, and not white. When they’re white, you easily give them a chance because you understand human beings act out of order at times, of course. But black persons are not human, so that’s out of question when it comes to us..
I’m too exhausted to type more. The toll this has is so very heavy to bear. I don’t know if we will ever be free of it.
I send my regards to my fellow black brothers and sisters who have to so frequently face these traumatic incidents. It’s not easy for any of us, no matter how near or far this happens. Please take care of yourselves during this time and remember that it’s okay to step back from things to mourn in peace.
Rest in peace George Nkencho. You didn’t deserve to lose your life. My condolences to the friends and family of that young man. As a human being, he deserved so much more. May his soul be kept in perfect peace.
