Helen Mayes…
Without question police misconduct. One thing the police will use is your record against you, mostly towards young Black men. Racial profiling is prevalent and a huge problem in the Black community. Young men, in particular, are being targeted by the police all the time. They don’t think we are intelligent or know our rights or the law. If we put the shoe on the other foot, they [the police] would not want their children treated that way. The system is broken. We as parents, community leaders, and neighbors need to teach our kids while they’re young on how to deal with the police and understand our human rights as American citizens.
Kenyatto Amen…
In my opinion, street violence is an aspect of police misconduct. I am not fearful for my child because I keep them close to me. I’m very involved in their lives. It’s not a natural state of mind for a man to be fearful. I was not brought up that way, I am a Panther baby. I am not an angry man, I just stand up for myself and my family. Know your rights, understand the law, remember the Fourth Amendment applies only to people of color. Research and know your constitutional rights and what it means, and how it affects all of us. The United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights that prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures.
Truby McDowell…
50/50 because I have 7 children. I am from South Central L.A., and I am accustomed to police brutality and misconduct. I’ve been all over this country from California to Arizona, Minnesota, Las Vegas, Montana and cities all over California. No matter where you are, you too can be exposed to some sort of police misconduct. I have been pulled over many times, and each time all they wanted to see is who or what you have in your car. Even my son, who is 15 years old, has been harassed just because of his size (large stature). Obviously this is very intimidating to the police.
O. T. Fredrick…
I am more fearful of street violence for sure. Black on Black crime has saturated the community here in Seattle and all over the country. The violence is usually related to something small, we should be able to talk it our before pulling out guns. To the young and older folks, stop blaming the man or the system. Young people think about your future, obtain a good skill, and get educated on your history. You matter.
Essy Gbedessy…
I believe street violence is worse than ever today. Police misconduct is well known. Its on the news everyday across the U.S. In Africa, where I am from, its not like that there. But I do think they harass people more than we want to believe. The police do not take time to follow through on problems they encounter in the community. I know they have a hard job, but that’s what they chose to do. But the bottom line and a huge problem for the police is the color of our skin. Here in the U.S. the police do not hesitate, they will arrest you immediately.
Montreal Morgan…
Definitely, police misconduct. I am from the 10th Ward, uptown St. Thomas projects in New Orleans. I’ve been in a lot of negative incidents involving the law. I’ve had friends shot. My own brother was shot by the police because they thought he was brandishing a gun. Street life is easier to deal with, its the norm where I’m from. We’ve had to adapt to street life. It’s so much harder to deal with the police. I can teach my kids better on how to handle people in the streets, than to show them how to handle the police – who are always harassing you even on your own property in New Orleans.
