Jacob Blake is the new name protestors are chanting to confront police brutality in America. The 29-year-old was shot by a white officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin this past Sunday, August 23rd. Once again, a black man has been targeted by law enforcement.
Leaving Chicago with hopes of a “fresh start” and a better life, Blake’s family has an active history involving activism. His grand-father, Rev. Jacob Blake Sr. led the movement for fair housing in Evanston City, Illinois throughout the 60s and 70s. These marches eventually led to a ban in racial discrimination within housing.
Luckily, a bystander took the necessary measures to record Jacob Blake’s shooting because no police officers involved wearing wearing a body camera.
The triggering incident began with Blake attempting to break up a fight between two women when police arrived on the scene in response to a domestic violence call.
After a failed attempt to apprehend Blake using a stun gun, the police fired seven shots into his back as after he opened the door of his vehicle. Not only was Blake unarmed, the shooting occurred in front of his three young sons ages 3, 5, and 8.
At press time, Jacob Blake is reportedly paralyzed from the waist down. He suffered multiple injuries, including a gunshot wound to the arm, damage to his kidneys, liver and spinal cord.
Across the globe, citizens have gathered to march in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement as a result of traumatizing incidents of violence against Black people at the hands of law enforcement.
With the erratic state of politics, Americans are using their first amendment rights to hold the country accountable to ensure it lives up its constitutional promises.
After the horrifying video made its rounds through social media, Kenosha became the newest hub for passionate protests.
As long as excessive violence by law enforcement remains a commonality in Black communities; outraged civilians will continue to demonstrate their objection towards the American police system.
Tiara Cooper
