Lecture Notes: Intersectionality and Police Violence Against Black Women

Introduction

• Activity: Stand if you recognize names of African Americans killed by police. Sit if not.
  • Recognized: Eric Garner, Mike Brown, Tamir Rice, Freddie Gray.
  • Less recognized: Michelle Cusseau, Tanisha Anderson, Ara Russer, Megan Hockaday.
• Point: Awareness of violence against black women is low, despite being victims too.

Low Awareness of Black Women Victims

• Issue: Black women victims of police violence are less recognized.
• Reason: Lack of societal and media frames to recognize these issues.
• Consequences:
  • Policymakers and media do not address these issues adequately.
  • Isolation of black women from social justice movements.

Intersectionality

• Concept: Coined to address overlapping social justice issues (racism, sexism).
• Origin: Inspired by Emma de Graafenried’s legal case.
  • Emma’s Case: Dismissed because discrimination was not recognized at the intersection of race and gender.
  • Court’s View: Saw race and gender issues separately, not jointly.

Framing Problem

• Problem: Courts used partial frames, ignoring intersectionality of race and gender.
• Solution Idea: Intersection analogy to represent overlapping discrimination.

Broader Application of Intersectionality

• Scope: Beyond gender and race, includes heterosexism, transphobia, xenophobia, ableism, etc.
• Relevance: Highlights unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Police Violence Against Black Women

• Statistics:
  • Victims as young as 7, as old as 95.
  • Killed in various locations and situations (homes, streets, cars).
  • Methods of violence include shooting, stomping, suffocation, etc.
• Neglect: Black women's stories less covered in media.

Call to Action

• "Say Her Name" Campaign: Raise awareness at rallies, protests, and discussions.
• Action Steps:
  • Bear witness to the violence and realities faced by black women.
  • Engage in initiatives to bring their stories to light.
  • Shift from mourning to proactive transformation.

Conclusion

• Message: Recognition leads to problem-solving.
• Commitment: Participate actively in acknowledging and addressing these injustices.