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Police Shooting Leads to Protests, Violence, Action

Kenosha, Wisconsin —(Map)

Note: This article describes violence, and a pattern of unfairness from police. It may raise questions that don’t have easy answers. If it brings up questions or worries for you, be sure to discuss them with an adult you trust.

Protests in the US over police violence against Black people have continued for nearly three months, stirred up repeatedly by new cases of police violence. The most recent case involved a Black man shot in the back by a white police officer.

Concern over racism and police violence has led to nearly constant protests in many US cities for the last three months. The protests began following the death of a Black man named George Floyd. He died after a white police officer held his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.

Mural portrait of George Floyd by Eme Street Art in Mauerpark (Berlin, Germany)
Concern over racism and police violence has led to nearly constant protests in many US cities for the last three months. The protests began following the death of a Black man named George Floyd. Above, a portrait painted in memory of Mr. Floyd.
(Source: Singlespeedfahrer [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons.)

Concern over police treatment of people of color isn’t new. America has a long history of treating non-white people unfairly, going back to times when slavery was legal. Though US laws now offer everyone equal rights, in real life, people often have different experiences based on the color of their skin.
Police are far more likely to stop, question, or arrest people of color, especially Black men. In recent years, there have been many other police killings or beatings of Black people for little or no reason. Many of these events have led to protests and promises of change. But still, these events keep happening.

Mr. Floyd’s shocking death triggered a new wave of protests across the US. Though the protests were largely peaceful, there was also some violence from the protesters, and often strong violence from the police.

2020.06.06 Protesting the Murder of George Floyd, Washington, DC US
Mr. Floyd’s shocking death triggered a new wave of protests across the US. Though the protests were largely peaceful, there was also some violence from the protesters, and often strong violence from the police. Above, a protest in Washington, DC on June 6.
(Source: tedeytan [CC BY-SA], via Wikimedia Commons.)

These protests, and the discussions about racism that followed, led to some changes. New laws were suggested. In some cases, laws were passed. Some changes affect the way police in certain areas are allowed to work, or how much money is given to police departments.

But the problems underneath police violence, especially against Black people, are complicated, and won’t go away so quickly or easily.

On August 23, a Black man named Jacob Blake was shot in the back several times by a white police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Mr. Blake is now in the hospital, unable to move his legs.

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On August 23, a Black man named Jacob Blake was shot in the back several times by a white police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Mr. Blake is now in the hospital, unable to move his legs.

The shooting sparked days of protests and marches in Kenosha and in other cities. Though daytime protests were peaceful, the protests at night were quite violent. Many buildings and vehicles were damaged or burned. The governor declared a state of emergency and called in the Wisconsin National Guard.

On August 25, people armed with guns came to Kenosha without permission, saying they were there to support the police. That night, two protesters were shot and killed, and a third was wounded. A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the crime. Earlier, the boy had been seen talking with the police.

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The shooting of Jacob Blake sparked days of protests and marches in Kenosha and in other cities. Though daytime protests were peaceful, the protests at night were quite violent. Many buildings and vehicles were damaged or burned.

Like the death of Mr. Floyd, Mr. Blake’s shooting has triggered protests in cities across the US, as well as other kinds of protests.

The NBA, which has recently starting playing games again, canceled playoff games temporarily after players refused to play, as a way of protesting. “We’re tired of the killings and the injustice,” said George Hill, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks.

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The NBA, which has recently starting playing games again, canceled playoff games temporarily after players refused to play, as a way of protesting. “We’re tired of the killings and the injustice,” said George Hill, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The protests quickly spread through other pro sports groups. The NBA, WNBA, MLB, MLS all canceled games. The NFL hasn’t started playing games yet, but practices were canceled.

Last Friday, a march was held in Washington, DC. The march came exactly 57 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the original March on Washington in 1963. That’s where Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which imagined equality in America.

People attending the Commitment March watch speakers on August 28, 2020.
Last Friday, a march was held in Washington, DC (above). The march came 57 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the original March on Washington, where Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which imagined equality in America.
(Source: Parker Miller, via Flickr.com.)

During Friday’s march, members of Mr. Floyd’s and Mr. Blake’s families spoke, encouraging action on police violence and racism. Also among the speakers was Dr. King’s 12-year-old granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King. “We stand and march for love,” Yolanda said, “and we will fulfill my grandfather’s dream.”

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During Friday’s march, members of Mr. Floyd’s and Mr. Blake’s families spoke, encouraging action against racism. Dr. King’s 12-year-old granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King also spoke, saying “We stand and march for love, and we will fulfill my grandfather’s dream.”

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