Black Lives Matter Betrayed: How Politicians Failed Black Communities
In the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in 2020, the United States experienced an unprecedented wave of protests and social activism that many believed would lead to lasting change. The brutal deaths of Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others catalyzed a nationwide movement, marked by public outcry and demands for justice. Four years later, however, the promises made during that turbulent summer remain unfulfilled.
Politicians co-opted the Black Lives Matter (BLM) slogan, but tangible actions to support Black communities are still lacking.
The anniversary of George Floyd's death is a poignant reminder of the significant uprising in 2020 and its impact. The protests that summer were seen as a culmination of ongoing struggles against police brutality, with roots tracing back to earlier movements in Ferguson, Baltimore, and other cities. Despite the massive outcry, the situation has worsened. The year 2023 recorded the highest number of people killed by police on record, indicating a troubling regression in police accountability and reform efforts.
A Grim Reality: The Data
How 2024 compares with previous calendar years
Despite accounting for only 14 percent of the U.S. population, Black Americans face a grim reality: they are killed by police at more than twice the rate of their White counterparts. The disproportionate impact on Black communities is stark and alarming. Similarly, Hispanic Americans also suffer from this imbalance, being killed by police at rates that far exceed their population proportion.
Tragically, the majority of those who fall victim to police shootings are young adults, with more than half of the fatalities occurring among individuals aged 20 to 40.
The Biden administration, despite initial pledges, has continued to increase funding for law enforcement rather than implementing substantial changes. The focus has often been on superficial measures like police training, body cameras, and raising the use-of-force standards. While these interventions can be beneficial, they do not address the core issue: the power imbalance between law enforcement and the communities they police.
A significant issue hindering progress is the role of big money and philanthropy in shaping the BLM movement. This phenomenon, described as "incorporated resistance," involves nonprofit organizations funded by large philanthropic entities. While these organizations can do good work, they are often limited in their ability to directly challenge the political system. They are beholden to boards of directors from the corporate sector, which constrains their revolutionary potential and ability to push for radical change.
As we approach another presidential election, the question arises: does it matter who is in charge? While there are differences between Democrats and Republicans, the relationship between Black communities and the Democratic Party remains exploitative. Democrats often benefit from minimal and symbolic policy proposals that justify Black support without delivering substantial change. This dynamic creates a scenario where Black voters feel politically hostage to the Democratic Party, which continues to fail in delivering meaningful reforms.
"Real change will only come when communities are empowered to make decisions about their own safety and well-being. This means dismantling the existing power structures and rebuilding them from the ground up, with a focus on equity and justice.”
For real progress, a radical approach that emphasizes community control and oversight of law enforcement is essential. This involves not just minor reforms but a fundamental restructuring of how safety and policing are managed in Black communities. The focus should be on building instruments of power within these communities, enabling them to oversee and govern policing processes. This is not about making police "nicer"; it's about reclaiming control and demanding justice.
As we remember George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, it is clear that slogans and symbolic gestures are insufficient. The fight against police brutality and systemic racism must continue with a focus on real, substantial change that empowers Black communities. Politicians may have co-opted the Black Lives Matter slogan, but the movement's true power lies in grassroots efforts to reclaim control and demand justice. The journey ahead requires a commitment to radical change and community empowerment, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by these injustices are heard and acted upon.