Overview
The lecture examines the lack of public awareness about police violence against black women, introduces the concept of intersectionality, and calls for action to recognize and address this issue.
Disparities in Recognition of Victims
- Most people recognize names of black men killed by police but not black women.
- Both men and women have been victims, but gender affects public recognition of these incidents.
- Even groups focused on civil rights or women's rights often lack awareness of violence against black women.
Framing and Social Awareness
- Lack of "frames" or narratives means victims like black women are overlooked in media and policy discussions.
- Social justice movements often use a trickle-down approach that fails to address intersecting forms of discrimination.
- Problems that are not named or framed are often ignored and unsolved.
The Origin and Importance of Intersectionality
- Intersectionality describes overlapping social identities and related systems of oppression.
- The term arose from a legal case where a black woman's discrimination claim was dismissed because the court did not recognize combined race and gender discrimination.
- Emma DeGraffenreid's case illustrated how black women can face unique discrimination not seen by looking at race or gender alone.
The Impact of Intersectionality
- Black women experience police violence in diverse and severe ways, often going unreported or unnoticed.
- The experiences of black women are shaped by multiple, overlapping forms of oppression, including racism, sexism, ableism, and others.
- Without intersectional awareness, many victims' stories remain hidden and unsupported.
Call to Action: "Say Her Name"
- The "Say Her Name" movement encourages public acknowledgment of black women victims of police violence.
- Simply naming victims is not enough; society must bear witness and take action to address these injustices.
- Collective participation in naming and remembrance is a step toward visibility, action, and transformation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Intersectionality — The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, gender, and others, creating overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
- Framing — The process by which certain issues are highlighted or ignored based on existing narratives or perspectives.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice bearing witness by learning and saying the names of black women victims of police violence.
- Move from mourning to action by raising awareness and demanding intersectional justice in conversations and activism.