The African Americas Studies Program faculty at the University of Florida would like to express our disappointment with the grand jury’s decision in the Breonna Taylor case. Taylor was a young black woman who dedicated her life to serving others and she did not deserve this. She had dreams and goals like our students but she will not get to fulfill them and we mourn the passing of a rose that never fully bloomed. The African American Studies Program faculty give our full support to the protesters in Louisville who are committed to getting justice for Breonna Taylor and addressing police misconduct and systemic racism.
In spite of months of Black Lives Matters protests the grand jury charged Brett Hakinson of “three counts of first degree of wanton endangerment” for shooting into the apartment next to Breonna Taylor’s. In other words, the grand jury did not charge anyone for Breonna Taylor’s death. The grand jury’s decision in the Breonna Taylor case is another reason why many African Americans viewed Fortune 500 companies’ and universities,’ statements, slogans, and public service announcements about social justice as empty rhetoric.
The Attorney General of Kentucky Daniel Cameron said Breonna Taylor ‘s death was a tragedy, and his job was to present the facts to the grand jury. He convinced the grand jury the three police officers acted in self-defense, but the fact is the officers had a no knock warrant when they forced their way into Taylor’s apartment. Kenneth Walker, Taylor’s boyfriend, used his 2nd Amendment right to defend himself and we have not heard a statement from the National Rifle Association in support of Walker’s second amendment right.
The African American Studies Program faculty at the University of Florida is at the forefront of teaching, researching, and supporting protests against systemic inequalities. Many African American’s were not surprised by the grand jury’s decision because we have been down this road too many times; however, the power of protest, community, and faith will get us through this moment. Protest, register to vote, join an organization, and please do not give in to despair. This is the least we can do to honor Breonna Taylor’s memory.