Sterling Brown Moved Forward On Tuesday To Sue The Milwaukee Police Department
Sitting down to try and understand what Milwaukee Bucks guard Sterling Brown’s thought process was on the evening of January 26th when Milwaukee Police Officers used excessive force and a taser on Brown all over a parking citation is a feeling I may never encounter.
Being white in a society that has privileged my race over minorities for centuries leads me to not know the fear Brown felt, although I would never want to feel that type of fear, it also disgusts me to my core that this is an everyday occurrence for those of the African-American descent.
The moment the news broke of the incident involving Sterling, a line was drawn in society over who was to blame. The questions from those who “bleed blue” instantly rose to the top of the discussion board. “Why was he there at 2 in the morning?” or one of the all-time greats, “He probably threatened the police and they took affirmative action”.
Comments made as such are formed due to the blatant racism that still exists in America today. The hope is now, though, with Brown taking back control over a situation in which his rights were violated, can help bring the city of Milwaukee together, not tear it apart.
The Body Camera Footage Proved What Was Feared All Along
As one of the most segregated cities in the nation, Milwaukee has ultimately been shown its dark side when the officer’s body cam footage was released to the public. Most responded with disgust and humiliation that something such as Brown being mistreated over a parking incident was due to the color of his skin.
I would wish this type of excessive force on no one, but if there was any positive to come from this situation, it is that the conversation of police brutality among African-Americans can continue and hopefully take a turn in making this problem occur less and less.
Unlike the NFL, the National Basketball Association has been on the right side of history for the most part in recent conversations within the past several years when it has come to social issues. From coaches and players speaking their truth to try and sway the public into understanding change is needed and it is up to us as a nation to fix it. It will not be an easy road to correcting all the injustice done in society, but the first step is coming together and discussing our different views and opinions on the matter and coming to a common ground.
Milwaukee The Spotlight Is On You Now
With the Milwaukee Bucks taking their stance to support Sterling Brown, most of Milwaukee is taking his side as well. There is still a line though, one many do not want to cross, because they believe they will be turning their backs on those who protect our communities.
I am hear to say though, that with those who support Brown, such as myself, is the last thing that is wanted. We respect those who fight and protect our communities, but we are not blind to the injustices of the world and we are asking for change that will benefit everyone in the long run.
Sterling has taken a powerful stance, fans of the Bucks never wanted this incident to take place nor did we want one of our own to be a martyr for a serious issue in society, but now that it is here, we are ready to make noise and support Brown.
Time For Change Is Now
The sports world and local news have collided more and more recently. With the stage set to a large audience, Milwaukee is at center stage with showing the world that change can occur. Building a better community relationship between police and the public is what we all want. The police can take big steps in doing so in admitting fault and learning from this situation that this type of behavior is not acceptable.
Actions have consequences and it is about time police enforce that among their own. Training must be better, understanding certain situations and knowing what is called for and that race has nothing to do with someone who is committing a crime.
The city of Milwaukee must understand that the way they respond to this incident can decide where we go from here. We can move forward and be on the right side of history, or they can do the opposite and keeping taking one step backwards and create a bigger divide within the city. Ultimately, the choice is yours, don’t mess it up.
