When I think of justice I naturally think of a judge & jury or a law enforcer with a badge. Naturally I think of having to fight for justice, as in most cases I probably won’t get the benefit of the doubt if I’m accused of something (even from my mom 🙂 ). Not that I’ve never received justice in life. It’s just not the norm.

I suppose at some point in my life I concluded that most people are simply not concerned about my opinions nor do they see my life as something of value… so if I’m driving down a street in a nice car in a white neighborhood, or if a woman said that I touched her inappropriately at work, etc. My chances in receiving the benefit of the doubt is very unfavorable. We have to be honest, a black man (who isn’t wearing a suit & tie) fits the perceived description of a thug, a robber, or a some type of delinquent. Just ask Harvard Law Professor Henry Louis Gates, when he was arrested while entering his own home in 2009.

Justice is partially based on perspective. It’s not as clear as some may think. It’s pretty vague. Because not all judges view every situation the same; they have different interpretations on how laws are enforced. Most would say that justice is clearly defined by our country’s laws and constitution, and enforced by police or various law enforcers. Those assumptions aren’t true for every U.S. citizen. Yet, I have to point out that life is unjust, and the U.S. likely has the most just legal system in the world. Here’s something else to think about.

¹ “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. ² For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. ³ “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? – Matthew 7:1-3

During the past few days and weeks social media has been “blowing up” with posts, bringing attention to the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Aubrey. People all over are demanding justice. This is very serious! And some of these deaths were video recorded… let me tell you, the video of Ahmad’s death was very disturbing.

I remember reading one post. It said… “Why the outrage? White cops killing unarmed blacks isn’t new… I guess now it’s just being video recorded.“

One thing I really think about is… if someone didn’t video record the killing of George Floyd or the murder of Ahmaud Aubrey would we be talking about it right now? If there wasn’t clear evidence of what happened on audio/video would society and our legal system be pressured enough to consider justice?

The story of the death of Breonna Taylor is equally disturbing. She and her partner/boyfriend were at home probably thinking of what they were going to do the next day… not thinking she would die that night. She was an essential healthcare worker during this COVID-19 pandemic, so she was sacrificing her own health daily. Her life abruptly ended when police arrived at her front door on accident. A verbal misunderstanding ensued, and the police unloaded 22 shots into her home, killing her. It doesn’t even seem real. I cannot imagine that happening to me. Yet it happened to Breonna.

So, what do you think? Do you feel those who killed George, Ahmaud and Breonna be held accountable for their irresponsible actions… and be charged with murder? I do. However, some feel the alleged should be given mercy, and I respect their opinion. Nevertheless, even if they are charged as guilty and received the harshest penalty, justice can never be served for George, Ahmaud and Breonna… as they were given an unjust unfair death penalty.

The United States has to come to a point where we as a nation, including our leaders, should clearly acknowledge and penalize publicized injustices. Not all of America’s children are disciplined for their actions.

Everyone who has stood up to acknowledge these clear-cut wrongdoings, I appreciate you. I definitely don’t have a solution to solve racism and partiality, or to stop evil people from doing evil. I’m just a black man. I’m not a villain. I’m a human being who wants to live my best life alongside my family.

I don’t trust the justice system… I respect it. I place my trust in God and I follow my heart. Whatever happens… happens. I’m cool with living or dying with that decision.