*Last week, I was pulled over by a group of police officers, arrested and hauled to jail.
It was a Saturday night, and very late.
Even though I had already provided the appropriate documentation, I was eventually ordered to exit my vehicle. I stepped out – cautiously – and before I could put my hands up, four officers were already pointing their rifles in my direction.
I could feel goosebumps forming on my skin. Death was staring me directly in the face.
There were no witnesses other than my two friends who were passengers in the car with me. Darkness covered the road where I was ordered to stop. We were tragically vulnerable.
It the most uncomfortable moment I’d ever experienced.
We all knew the night wouldn’t end pleasantly. Still, our goal was to return home with our lives and dignity intact.
So we offered our cooperation. Nevertheless, as we anticipated, things got much worse very quickly.
I’m 32 years old, responsible, and I consciously obey the law. My friends are no different than I am.
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We’re also black men – and if nothing else, the color of our skin inherently merits suspicion and hostility from police.
I was stopped just outside of Huntington Beach, California, where Trump supporters wear their MAGA hats and wave their flags proudly.
The officer who ordered me to stop marched to my window – hand on his gun – and immediately asked me if there were drugs or alcohol in my car.
He also inquired about weapons before demanding that I relinquish my license, registration and proof of insurance.
I remember the name on his shirt – “K Rose.” I also remember his partner, who repeatedly asked if we had alcohol or drugs in our possession, even after we told him that we didn’t.
I knew he wouldn’t end his interrogation until one of us cracked and offered a forced confession.
The officers later explained that I was pulled over because my tail lights weren’t operational.
I knew they were lying. Still, a few days after the incident, I took my car to Pepboys for an inspection.
The mechanic – a young black man – confirmed that my tail lights were indeed fully operational. I could see the rage in his eyes as though he was the one pulled over and not me.
“You know why they stopped you,” he said angrily, pointing to his skin. I could see his body trembling.
He and I didn’t have to say anything else to each other. As black men, we’ve been taught to accept our fate as targets for police and other forces of racism in this country.
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The officers that pulled me over clearly had a motive. They handcuffed me and my friends and stuffed us in separate police cars.
Minutes later, as the sound of howling police dogs covered the air, I watched in silence as five officers – each carrying military-grade weapons – searched my car for guns and drugs.
The officers didn’t have a warrant or probable cause. They even lied about why they pulled me over. One of them even chuckled as he watched me contort my body to mitigate the pain in my wrists and shoulders after being cuffed several minutes.
I spent the next two days in jail – due to a bench warrant originating from an incident that took place in 2016.
The truth is those officers saw three black men in a dark sports car and they reacted inappropriately like many racist cops do when they encounter minorities, especially African American males.
That’s why I have no problem with the riots unfolding in Minnesota or anywhere else in America right now.
George Floyd was killed by an overzealous, presumably hateful white cop.
Making the situation worse, Floyd’s murder occurred in the presence of numerous spectators who watched as the officer rammed his knee into Floyd’s neck for more than 10 minutes, ultimately suffocating him.
This incident has caused many African Americans to recall moments when they were victimized by police, or forced to bury a loved one due to police violence.
It happens every day to dozens of black victims throughout the U.S., and frankly, it’s the reason why large contingencies of black protestors are rioting in Minnesota, where Floyd was unlawfully killed.
I used to be one of those people who denounced protesters and rioting – it didn’t matter what their motivations were. I still believe that defacing property and setting fire to police cars won’t solve anything in the long run.
However, after watching footage of George Floyd’s execution – and learning that coroners have officially described it as a fatal reaction to “underlying health conditions” and potential intoxication – I’m inclined to burn some shit up myself.
Frankly, I’m angry – and sometimes, anger shouldn’t be contained.
We already tried it Dr. King’s way – peacefully, and yet, more than 50 years after his assassination, African Americans are still being maliciously killed by cops like dogs in the street.
We’ve written books, created broadway plays, and produced countless films to highlight the existence of police brutality. We’ve marched and protested over and over again to raise awareness.
For what?! This shit keeps happening.
How many deaths will it take for our leaders to finally implement policies to protect minorities against police violence? Should future generations of black parents lock their children inside to protect them from harm at the hands of crooked cops? What’s the solution?!
In my opinion, until our government cracks down on racially biased (and violent) policing, the rioting should continue. Period. Besides, if they aren’t being civil, why should we?
Floyd’s death added gasoline to a raging fire.
This is what happens when you keep poking the bear. Eventually, it attacks. The riots in Minnesota are an example.
Cory A. Haywood is a freelance writer based in Southern California. Contact him via: [email protected] and/or visit his blog: www.enterthehat.com, or send him a message on Twitter: @coryahaywood
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