By Dennis Agori
In the history of racism and brutality of the police force, George Floyd’s case is peculiar for many reasons.
1. The stunning imagery
The pictures and videos, undeniably well-captured, shows the horror of racism and police brutality in a way that is unfathomable.
2. George Floyd’s last words
As he died, he cried, “I can’t breathe; They are killing me“.
He also cried for his mother. For a grown man to cry for his mother who was already dead. You should understand the pain he was going through.
These words will will echo for eternity, and they give these stories more weight. These words are synonymous to the words of Eric Garner who was also killed by police officers for selling cigarettes in New York. The imagery has a 3-dimensional view with a voice that is going to echo through history and humanity, just like the blood of Abel.
3. Temporary Shift from COVID-19
It is a major event that has shifted attention from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Protesters and police officers could not maintain social distancing. It goes to show that in desperate situations, and when emotions go high, especially in times of anger or hunger, people might not care about the virus. That’s because injustice is a deadlier virus and it’s more fatal.
We will not forget this, and we will find ways to breathe no matter who is on our neck, be it a person, a group of people, or the government.
Addendum
George Floyd had a girlfriend (who was white).
There are also reports that George Floyd and the ex-police officer Derek Chauvin worked together for a club. There have also been several cases of brutality and irresponsible behaviour by the police officer.
