Lecture Notes on Intersectionality and Police Violence

Introduction Exercise

• Activity: Audience stands until they hear a name they don't recognize.
• Names Mentioned: Eric Garner, Mike Brown, Tamir Rice, Freddie Gray, Michelle Cusseaux, Tanisha Anderson, Aura Rosser, Meagan Hockaday.
• Observation: More people recognized the first set of names (male victims) than the second (female victims).

Key Issues

• Police Violence Awareness: The awareness of police violence against black women is exceedingly low.
• Gender Distinction: The main distinction between the more recognized and less recognized names is gender.
• Intersectionality: Overlapping social justice issues like racism and sexism create complex forms of discrimination.

Historical Context

• Emma DeGraffenreid Case: Example of intersectionality in legal discrimination.
  • Case Details: Emma was not hired at a car plant, sued for race and gender discrimination.
  • Court's Dismissal: The case was dismissed because the employer hired African-Americans and women, but the intersection of both wasn't considered.
  • Legal Blind Spot: The inability to handle the intersection of race and gender claims.

Concept of Intersectionality

• Definition: The overlapping of various forms of discrimination and social injustice.
• Analogy: Compared to traffic at an intersection, where race and gender roads overlap.
• Implications: Highlights how black women experience unique forms of discrimination that are often overlooked.

Police Violence Against Black Women

• Reality: Black women face significant levels of police violence.
• Examples: Girls as young as seven to grandmothers aged 95 have been killed by police.
• Circumstances of Death: In their homes, cars, on streets, and in various situations.
• Media and Public Attention: Often less than that given to male victims.

Call to Action

• "Say Her Name" Campaign: Advocacy for public recognition of black women victims of police violence.
• Need for Action: Beyond just saying their names, requires bearing witness and advocating for change.
• Collective Responsibility: Encouragement to remember, recognize, and act on behalf of black women.

Conclusion

• Importance of Visibility: Without awareness, problems cannot be addressed.
• Transition from Mourning to Action: Collective effort needed to transform awareness into change.
• Final Thought: It is up to us to ensure these issues are recognized and addressed.