“And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,
A home and a country, should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave…”
Reflecting on this vivid imagery from our national anthem, we are reminded of the first documented lynching of Francis McIntosh on April 28, 1836. McIntosh, a free Black man, was brutally murdered by a mob after a confrontation with police. This horrific act exemplifies the systemic racial violence that has plagued our nation throughout history.
Anti-Black Terrorism is not hyperbole; it is a painful reality we navigate daily. From the slave patrols of the past to the modern-day public lynchings of unarmed Black citizens, the racial terror inflicted by law enforcement is deeply rooted in our nation’s history. How many more lives must be sacrificed before we confront the ghosts of our past and demand accountability for the injustices that persist?
According to the FBI’s Hate Crime Incident Analysis report, between 2020 and 2024, there were approximately 14,840 anti-Black hate crimes, the highest increase among all bias categories. Despite making up only about 13% of the U.S. population, Black Americans accounted for 27% of those killed by police in 2022 and were arrested at a rate 2.6 times higher than any other racial group. Yet, some still deny the existence of racism.
Understanding the historical context of Anti-Black terrorism is essential for shifting the paradigm on equity and civil rights. From Slave Patrols and Black Codes to Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement, systemic oppression continues to grow, underscoring the urgency for restorative justice and reform. In a world where the Black cries for justice are met with White silence, how can we stand idly by and allow history to repeat itself?
The history of racial violence in America remains a dark chapter, often hidden by those who seek to erase the truth. This legacy of terror overshadows the fight for justice, often diverted by distractions designed to obscure the realities affecting our communities. Picture the Black faces of those who have been silenced, their stories buried beneath the weight of systemic oppression, each one a testament to the struggle for dignity and respect.
As we confront these distractions, we must remain vigilant. Consider the case of Marcellus Williams, a man facing execution despite compelling DNA evidence that exonerates him. His case is not just an isolated incident; it reflects a broader pattern of racial injustice in our legal system. Even the prosecuting attorney has acknowledged that the previous administration committed constitutional errors, particularly in the racially biased jury selection process. This execution will be yet another disheartening miscarriage of justice!
Over 1.4 million citizens have petitioned Governor Parson to commute Williams’ death sentence, highlighting the widespread concern across various communities. Since 1972, 52 Black defendants in Missouri have been sentenced to death for allegedly killing white victims, illustrating the systemic biases that persist. Williams’ case exemplifies the urgent need for reform, as he is scheduled for execution today despite overwhelming evidence of his innocence.
Our community thrives when united in the pursuit of equity and justice. We must recognize how deception and distractions have evolved into racist perceptions leading to violence and the erasure of truth. Until all of us are free, none of us are free. The historical affliction of racial violence will continue to manifest unless we confront it head-on. Imagine the chilling echoes of a noose tightening around the neck of justice, a Patriotic reminder of the lives lost to hatred and Black fear.
Let us raise our voices for Marcellus Williams and others like him. Demand systemic reforms that address the deep-seated racial biases in our broken justice system. Together, we can forge a path toward a more equitable future by:
-
Demanding a Moratorium on Execution: We must call for an immediate moratorium on all executions in this country, especially Missouri, until a thorough review of all death row cases can be conducted, specifically those involving racial disparities.
-
Pushing for DNA Testing and Transparency Reform: We must advocate for mandatory DNA testing in all capital cases, ensuring transparency with the processing of forensic evidence, especially those considered to be backlogged and cold cases.
-
Supporting Legislation for Racial Equity and Justice: We must continue to hold our leaders and representatives accountable, especially with efforts aimed at addressing racial biases in society. The Racial Justice Act calls for defendants to challenge their death sentences on the ground of racial discrimination, despite being denied due process.
-
Community Engagement and Education: As a community, we must champion one another and engage in educating those who seek to be the changes necessary for an equitable beloved community.
The legacy of lynching and racial violence serves as a haunting reminder of the Achilles heel plaguing this country. As we confront the ongoing reality of Anti-Black Terrorism, we must urgently acknowledge the deep scars it has left on our society. This is not merely a chapter of our past; it is a clarion call for immediate action—either we rise together, or we falter alone. By honoring those whose names we must never forget and embracing the truth through open and continuous dialogue, we can transform our collective pain into purpose. Let the lessons learned propel us toward a future rooted in justice, equality, and healing. We must commit ourselves now to a world where such atrocities are never repeated, and where every beloved voice is not only heard but valued.