On this day in 2019, a racist mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, TX stole the lives of 23 people and injured dozens more. This date marks the deadliest, anti-Latino attack in modern United States history. Talk about the values of human rights and safety when observing this anniversary.
Tag: criminal justice
Night Out for Safety and Liberation
Today is also Night Out for Safety and Liberation (NOSL), hosted by The Ella Baker Center and partners as a counter-program to the law-enforcement driven National Night Out. Both events are held annually on the first Tuesday of August. The goal of NOSL is to shift the conversation about public safety. Cite the values of equity, safety, and community.
Eric Garner
On this day in 2014, New York City police officers killed Eric Garner for selling single cigarettes. He was put in a chokehold which resulted in his death. Garner was recorded saying, “I can’t breathe,” which has remained a rallying cry against police brutality following the murder of George Floyd. Honor Garner and discuss policing and racial justice issues by citing the values of voice, equity, and safety.
Sandra Bland
On this day in 2015, Sandra Bland mysteriously died in police custody. Days earlier she was arrested for a minor traffic violation by Texas state troopers. Cell phone footage from her phone, released years after her death, renewed questions regarding the officer’s testimony. On this anniversary, discuss the values of equity and safety.
Philando Castile
On this day in 2016, Philando Castile was killed by Minnesota police officer Jeronime Yanez during a routine traffic stop. Castile’s girlfriend recorded the encounter while her infant daughter sat in the back seat. On this anniversary, discuss the ongoing need to end police brutality using the values of safety and equity.
Alton Sterling
On this day in 2016, Alton Sterling was fatally shot several times at close range by Baton Rouge Police Department officers. Sterling had been selling CDs in a parking lot. His death was video recorded by several bystanders. On this anniversary, honor Alton by lifting up his life and discussing the values of safety and equity.
Furman v. Georgia
On this day in 1972, the Supreme Court struck down the death penalty, ruling in Furman v. Georgia that it was unconstitutional under the 8th and 14th Amendments. Justice William O. Douglas concluded that the death penalty “is disproportionately imposed and carried out on the poor, the Negro, and the members of unpopular groups.” Four years later, the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty on the idea that it was constitutional under the 8th Amendment. Discuss this anniversary by citing the values of equity, safety, voice, and community.
Stonewall Uprising
Today is the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a key turning point in the struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights. Use the anniversary to discuss the importance of intersectionality in our movements and the ongoing work to achieve racial and economic justice in the LGBTQIA+ community. Cite the values of safety, opportunity, community, and voice.
Father’s Day
Father’s Day is an important time to talk about racial justice and economic opportunity with your community. The separation of immigrant families, impacts of discriminatory policing and mass incarceration, and cultural attacks on LGBTQ+ communities can make this a hard and heavy day for many. Talk about the need to protect family unity and inclusively celebrate all families on this date. Focus on the values of opportunity, safety, and equity.
“Miranda rights”
On this day in 1966, the Supreme Court issued its decision on Ernesto Miranda vs. Arizona. The ruling created what became known as “Miranda rights,” the law enforcement procedure of reminding someone of their rights when being arrested. Use this anniversary to discuss the importance of criminal justice reform by referring to the values of equity, safety, and voice.
