The Violence Faced by Black Women in Society

One significant barrier to justice is the widespread belief among some conservatives that these occurrences are isolated incidents. However, the violence that Black women experience from law enforcement is rooted in a long history that traces back to the Transatlantic slave trade.

The relationship between Black women and the state was birthed in violence (Jacobs, 2017).

In a previous article, I discussed the injustice surrounding Breonna Taylor’s death. Following the tragedy, law enforcement failed to accurately document the events of that fateful night. Breonna’s death illuminated a narrative that is often overlooked — systemic state violence against Black women and women of color.

Black women are not only victims of police killings but are also disproportionately arrested compared to white women (Jacobs, 2017).

Initially, officers denied forcibly entering Breonna’s home, but photographic evidence disproved their claims. Their reports were largely incomplete, omitting any mention of Breonna’s injuries despite her being shot six times. If Black Lives Matter, then Breonna Taylor’s life should matter. It is disheartening to reside in a nation where such a tragic loss is dismissed as a policing casualty. Breonna was not merely a statistic; she was a Black woman and a human being.

The Incident Report of Breonna Taylor

“Despite the aggressive actions taken against Black women by police, reports seldom identify the victims of police misconduct as Black women” (Jacobs, 2017).

The officers involved in the case failed to accurately report the events that transpired that evening, avoiding accountability for their actions. This lack of transparency regarding the violence inflicted upon Black women demonstrates a disregard for their lives. The detectives’ negligence in addressing this incident indicates they hoped to bury the story, never anticipating its public exposure.

The police report published in the Louisville Courier-Journal lists Taylor’s name, a case number, and the date and time of the shooting, yet leaves key details—such as her date of birth—blank. The section for injuries remains empty, while the “forced entry” section falsely indicates no (Stieb, 2020).

Current Status of the Case

Six months after Breonna’s extrajudicial murder, the district attorney has failed to serve the public by bringing charges against the officers involved. The district attorney could have arrested the officers, allowing them an opportunity to defend their actions in court. If they are truly innocent, why are they avoiding trial? The Louisville District Attorney is complicit in a grave injustice by granting preferential treatment to law enforcement.

Although Taylor, 26, wasn’t the subject of the search warrant and was killed, the grand jury found that the officers involved in the raid were “justified in their use of force,” according to Cameron (Ortiz, 2020).

Consider the absurdity of that statement. The officers did not execute the warrant properly; thus, how can any anti-racist advocate argue that their actions were justifiable in killing an unarmed citizen in her home? I highly doubt that if Breonna Taylor were white, her death would be classified as justifiable homicide.

A grand jury indicted a former Louisville police officer for wanton endangerment due to his actions during the raid. No charges were brought against the other two officers who fired shots, nor anyone for Breonna’s death (Oppel, Taylor, & Bogel-burroughs, 2020).

The failure of the grand jury, district attorney, state attorney general, and U.S. attorney general to seek justice for Breonna Taylor and her family is a profound injustice.

The Black Lives Matter movement seeks to address social inequities, particularly those caused by police negligence and misconduct. When officers invaded her home using an invalid warrant, they infringed upon her first amendment right to privacy and her third amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure. Only corrupt officials would condone the violation of civil rights for Black women. We must recognize this for what it truly is — an extrajudicial killing.

Officers attempted to manipulate Ms. Taylor’s ex-boyfriend, Jamarcus Glover, by offering him a reduced sentence if he fabricated information about Breonna. This troubling act highlights the deep-seated corruption within the American policing system. How can we trust the police to honestly report their actions when they consistently refuse to do so?

In July, Louisville prosecutors offered Glover a plea deal — potentially reducing a 10-year sentence to probation — claiming that Taylor had been involved in his “organized crime syndicate,” according to records reported by WDRB television.

Aguiar noted that this offer demonstrates local officials’ “desperation” to justify Taylor’s murder: “Shame on that office,” Aguiar expressed on Facebook. “She’s dead. What a shameful attempt to malign a woman who cannot defend herself” (Teo Armus, 2020).

Considering the officers’ conduct following Breonna’s death, it is unfathomable that a fair grand jury would overlook their misdeeds. Breonna Taylor’s killing has become business as usual for these officers.

The Settlement

The City of Louisville awarded Breonna Taylor’s family a $12 million settlement for her wrongful death. City officials have pledged to implement changes aimed at preventing future tragedies like hers. While civil and criminal proceedings are distinct, this payment signifies an acknowledgment of wrongdoing and negligence. During the hearing, her family and local civil rights advocates vowed to continue pursuing criminal charges.

This struggle is far from over. There is no statute of limitations on murder, and these officers may one day find themselves facing a jury of their peers. However, they remain free, posing a continued threat to the community.

The Role of the Feminist Movement

Feminists are not mere spectators in the extrajudicial killings of Black women by law enforcement. Let’s dismantle any misconceptions. The 1994 Violence Against Women Act inadvertently led to heightened violence against Black women.

Law enforcement does not treat all citizens equally, and when Black women seek help for domestic violence, they often face further abuse from those meant to assist them. Feminists have rarely considered how increased police presence in domestic situations disproportionately affects Black women. We need allies focused on de-escalation, not aggressive enforcement. Just as women have the right to request female doctors for gynecological care, they should also have the option to request female officers when responding to domestic disputes. Furthermore, we must equip conscientious officers with the tools they need to enact reform. Sadly, police unions often shield officers from accountability, and in many cases, police chiefs lack the authority to dismiss officers.

When police enter our homes and communities, they do not come to aid but rather to impose their interpretation of the law, despite lacking legal qualifications. Black women also face heightened risks of sexual assault by police officers. So, when advocating for women’s rights, we must ask: who qualifies as a woman?

Tensions can arise within the feminist movement when Black women call for their issues to be prioritized (Jacobs, 2017).

Change emerges from tension, and I welcome critique. The cause is too vital to allow any hurt feelings to hinder our mission. We advocate for equal treatment for Black women and women of color, not supremacy over any other group. We acknowledge that white lives matter, as this government demonstrates by protecting white citizens and treating them as innocent until proven guilty.

Feminists who continue a color-blind strategy that marginalizes other groups of women should consider labeling themselves as “white-supremacist feminists.”

The failure of feminist and anti-violence advocates to conduct a thorough race and gender analysis during the original push for the Violence Against Women Act has resulted in serious consequences, ignoring the warnings that Black women would face barriers when reporting intimate violence (Jacobs, 2017).

How We Move Forward

Breonna Taylor’s death serves as a harrowing reminder of America’s deep-seated inequities. Local district attorneys frequently fail to deliver justice, revealing a blatant disregard for Black lives. The negligence demonstrated by the Louisville District Attorney, Mike O’Connell, will be recorded in history. This case reflects the numerous injustices Black women face within police custody and even in their own homes.

We must advocate for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which seeks to reform American policing practices. Introduced by Black Congresswoman Karen Bass, H.R. 7120 responds to state-sanctioned violence and proposes comprehensive reforms that prioritize the safety of Americans of all races. While Black Lives Matter, this movement extends beyond Black individuals; the reforms pursued by civil rights activists aim to restore credibility to law enforcement.

Breonna Taylor was only 26 years old when she died. As a 32-year-old Black woman, I am acutely aware of the fragility of life. To all women who have endured police brutality, your lives are valued. We must systematically address these inequities. Even if the district attorney were to charge the officers responsible for Ms. Taylor’s death, we would still be confronted with a system that has historically disrespected Black lives.

It is challenging to raise public awareness about violence against Black women because these issues seldom make headlines (Jacobs, 2017).

Many Americans are unaware of the frequency with which Black and Brown women experience police brutality, as these stories rarely receive media coverage. We must acknowledge this lack of reporting and actively seek to uncover the realities faced by Black and Brown women who have died in police custody. While Breonna Taylor never intended to become a martyr, her death has sparked significant changes in perspectives, policies, and practices. We must honor her legacy by ensuring Black women are protected by law enforcement, not victimized, neglected, or killed by them.

Following the recent national protests against police brutality and systemic racism that began in late May, Louisville officials have banned the use of no-knock warrants, which allow police to forcibly enter homes without warning, and one officer involved in the shooting was terminated in late June (Oppel, Taylor, & Bogel-burroughs, 2020).

In the wake of Black Lives Matter protests in Louisville, the city has committed to making systemic changes. However, similar policies must be adopted nationwide, as traditionally conservative regions show little interest in reform.

We must use our voices to advocate for the elimination of qualified immunity, which dehumanizes victims of police violence. It is essential to address the unconstitutionality of no-knock warrants, which violate civil liberties and protections against unlawful search and seizure. Advocates for Black Lives Matter demand transparency from law enforcement, including the mandatory use of body cameras throughout officers' shifts, especially during interactions with civilians. To truly honor Ms. Taylor, we must confront the systemic inequities rather than focusing solely on a few rogue officers. We need comprehensive, structural change.

#SayHerName — Rest in Power Breonna Taylor

You can plant a tree in her memory by following the link in her digital obituary:

Breonna Taylor (1993–2020) — Obituary

Articles on Race, Equality, Women, Beauty, and Health:

References:

Linder, D. (2020). The Right of Privacy. Retrieved September 24, 2020, from http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/rightofprivacy.html

Jacobs, M. S. (2017). The Violent State: Black Women’s Invisible Struggle Against Police Violence. William & Mary Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice, 24(1). doi:https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1462&context=wmjowl

Murphy, M. (2020, July 24). Perspective | Black women are the victims of police violence, too. Retrieved September 24, 2020, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/07/24/police-violence-happens-against-women-too/

Oppel, R., Taylor, D., & Bogel-burroughs, N. (2020, May 30). What We Know About Breonna Taylor’s Case and Death. Retrieved September 24, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/article/breonna-taylor-police.html

Ortiz, E. (2020, September 24). Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron takes heat after no direct charges are filed in Breonna Taylor’s death. Retrieved September 24, 2020, from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kentucky-ag-daniel-cameron-takes-heat-after-no-direct-charges-n1240886

Stieb, M. (2020, June 11). The Police Report on the Killing of Breonna Taylor Is Almost Entirely Blank. Retrieved July 16, 2020, from https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/06/police-report-for-killing-of-breonna-taylor-is-nearly-blank.htm

Teo Armus, H. (2020, September 01). Breonna Taylor’s ex was offered a plea deal that said she was part of a ‘crime syndicate,’ family’s attorney says. Retrieved September 24, 2020, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/09/01/breonna-taylor-plea-deal-louisville/