Carole Simpson

George Floyd did not Cause his own Death

Apr 14, 2021 | Black Lives Matter, Racism, Something. To. Say. | 0 comments

George Floyd did not Cause his own Death

Hello Everybody:

I have something to say about the George Floyd murder trial. The prosecutors show again and again the awful images of Floyd’s face contorted in pain, the sound of his voice calling, “I can’t breathe.” The knee of a white cop cutting off his air supply. It is almost more than I can bear and I’m sure I’m not alone.  White cop kills black suspect is a recurrent theme in America.

I have covered police brutality ever since I started my news career in Chicago in 1965. One of the first stories I covered involved a black teenager, shot in the back and killed by a white police officer, who chased the boy because he had been throwing rocks. Chicago police were famous for using drop guns at crime scenes, just dropping a gun and telling the lie that the black guy was threatening him. He claims he had to shoot to protect himself. And the policeman got away with murder.

Over 50 years the problem has only gotten worse. More blacks killed by white cops. And many, many more police walked away from killing black people. Is it any wonder that the public has taken up the mantra—Black Lives Matter?

In the trial, the ex-policeman’s defense is that George Floyd’s death was his fault because he was on drugs. But George Floyd’s horrific death captured on a mobile phone galvanized the planet. The whole world is watching. If Derek  Chauvin goes free, there will be hell to pay.

And A Child Shall Lead Them

Jun 5, 2020 | Black Lives Matter, Racism, Something. To. Say.

And A Child Shall Lead Them

Hello Everybody, I have something to say about the healing power of children.

The awful events of the past week and a half left me in the dumps. My days were dark and my nights sleepless. Then I remembered some videos of children that gave me cheer and I watch them over and over. I’d like to share them with you.

First—and I’m sure you’ve seen it: the two toddlers who make black and white together look beautiful. Then a black teenager leading a protest march in Washington, DC. And finally, a 4-year-old’s song that always lifts me up:

[Video inserts]

That precious baby sings, “don’t worry,”  We may as well believe every little thing’s gonna be alright. To think otherwise is hazardous to our health.

Until next time?