In the beginning of the year, no one would have guessed that by six months in there would be outrage and protests throughout all 50 states in America. From hearing about a virus that would lead to a shortage of masks to a black man's death from police that would soon spark what is the situation we are currently experiencing. This man had a name, it was George Floyd.
This year is one that looks straight out of a history textbook. We've got a virus that's been going on since February and is still happening right now. While the number of cases here has gone down, this doesn't mean it is not still present. We still have to wear our masks and continue to wash our hands correctly.
The saying goes, "History repeats itself" but we never know when or how it will do such a thing. Examining the highlight in the news at the moment, racism is what is repeating itself in our society right now. With the recent murder of George Floyd-who was killed by a police officer-anger and disappointment is flooding the city streets of America all the way from Hawaii to New York and everything in between.
To inform those who may not know what had happened and what has led to protests across the country, allow me to explain. On the day of May 25th, 2020, George Floyd was suspected of passing a counterfeit (fake) $20.00 bill across the counter at a local store. For those that may not know the law, the act of using or attempting to distribute counterfeit money is a federal crime and can lead to 20 years in prison or more. Legally speaking, officers had probable cause to approach and arrest George Floyd when he left the store. Though the money isn't why people are on their city streets, they are there because while the officers were arresting George Floyd, one of the three officers holding him down had pressed his knee into Floyd's neck and suffocating him.
Derek Chauvine was the officer with his knee on Floyd's neck. He has alone been charged with second-degree murder. The other officers have been charged with assistance to said murder. This is one of the many others titled with the name "Police Brutality". This refers to when officers are using more force than what is needed to apprehend someone. Within the last few days, we have seen movements occurring in all states: A primary one is the (BLM), Black Lives Matter movement. This needs to e brought to everyone's attention. Whatever the color of your skin says about you, seeing the events like George Floyd happen in our day and time is unacceptable.
We need to open our eyes to see that what is going on is wrong and injustice. There is nothing wrong with going to a protest and expressing your right to assemble. The only issue is when a peaceful protest turns into an unlawful one. To clarify, a peaceful protest becomes unlawful when a criminal act is started: such as throwing an object towards the officers, breaking or entering a closed building, starting a fire in which could cause danger to others.
All in all, America needs to come together as one and not many. Express your rights in your streets in a safe and legal way. Contact your congressman or congresswoman and write them a letter. Spread the awareness or what is going in our nation right now.
Take care and have a safe protest.
Our puzzle pieces might be missing right now but I hope one day we find them so we may come together as a whole nation and not one that is divided.
