Another black man (George Floyd) was killed in front of our eyes. What was the horrendous crime that this man committed to deserve death? He tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill in Minnesota to purchase cigarettes. Wow, he truly deserved to die! (Sarcasm). A similar situation, with the case with Eric Garner. In both the case of George Floyd and Eric Garner, a cop kneeled and choked, respectively, to kill them.

Black Americans are the ones under threat. When they leave their houses, they don’t know if they’ll come home. They’re living under constant fear for their lives. That’s the price they’re paying for the color of their skin. And if that wasn’t enough, a few White Americans aren’t helping. A usual jog (Ahmaud Arbery) could have you killed if you are a Black American. Letting another person know they’re violating basic rules could have you arrested. In this case, Amy Cooper, who called the cops to threaten Christian Cooper, knew the power and privilege she has as a White American. She knew that by telling the police he was African American, action would be taken immediately, and it would be enough to intimidate any Black American.

These events continue to happen. Innocent Black Americans continue to die due to misuse of power and a disregard for societal contracts. When you think this can’t happen anymore, another video surfaces of another Black American dying innocently. Peaceful protests happen, and no action is taken. Even athletes started protesting peacefully, by kneeling during the national anthem, but to no avail.

So, now you understand why there’s anger and violence in these protests and why it’s needed. It’s to send a loud and clear message that enough is enough. It’s a war cry for action. It’s the frustration of not being heard. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “A riot is the language of the unheard.” This time, there will be action. Otherwise, there is no stopping this.

The “No Justice No Peace” is valid. It’s an If-then statement. If no justice, then no peace.