Overview
The lecture discusses the lack of public awareness and recognition of black women victims of police violence, introduces the concept of intersectionality, and calls for active acknowledgment and action to address this issue.
Recognizing Police Violence
- Many people can name black men killed by police, but few recognize black women victims.
- This lack of recognition persists across various audiences and demographics.
- Both police violence against African-Americans and violence against women are widely discussed topics.
- Black women victims often go unnoticed because they do not fit into existing social or media "frames."
Framing and Social Justice
- Social issues affecting black people and women are often addressed separately, excluding those at their intersection.
- The "trickle-down" approach to social justice fails to protect black women.
- Lack of appropriate frames leads to media, policymakers, and communities overlooking violence against black women.
Intersectionality Explained
- Intersectionality describes overlapping social identities and related systems of oppression (e.g., race and gender).
- The concept arose from Emma DeGraffenreid's case where her claim of being discriminated against as a black woman was dismissed.
- Legal and social systems often cannot address discrimination at the intersection of multiple identities.
Impact and Examples of Intersectionality
- Black women face unique forms of violence and discrimination due to intersecting identities.
- Victims of police violence include black girls and elderly women, in varied circumstances (homes, cars, streets).
- Their deaths often go unrecognized in public discourse and media coverage.
Call to Action
- The "Say Her Name" movement was launched to highlight black women's experiences with police violence.
- Acknowledging and bearing witness to these women's stories is necessary for societal change.
- The lecture urges moving from grief to action in addressing these injustices.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Intersectionality — the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, gender, and class, creating overlapping systems of discrimination.
- Framing — the way issues are presented or perceived, influencing what and who is recognized or overlooked.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Join in acknowledging and bearing witness to black women's experiences with police violence.
- Advocate for inclusive discussions and policies that recognize intersectional identities.
- Participate in or support movements like "Say Her Name."