Violent Engagements with White Law Enforcement Officers Against Unarmed African Americans
Presented are four instances where violence or unnecessary force was used against African Americans by law enforcement which in some instances resulted in death. Sometimes these confrontations occurred during protests or marches against recent events such as the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. or simply for creating a blockade in a neighborhood. There are also instances where racial slurs have been invoked, threats have been made, harassment has continued for months, and arrests have taken place without warrants by heavily armed police.
Volume 26, Number 4, April 1968
A two part article with original subscribers name printed over the title. There was chaos in the streets of Memphis, Tennessee after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr on April 4, 1968. Note the shooting death of Larry Payne. Additional reporting indicates that Mr. Payne was actually sixteen-years-old and black. The police officer was white. Also note the menacing look of the police officer approaching the photographer.
Volume 30, Number 5, May 1972
This article highlights the use of the police department arriving for an arrest heavily armed with no warrants and arresting members of a politically active African American group. The idea of vigilantism is raised and is the perception of annual routine practices of the state to quell any strength of organized African American political groups.
Volume 31, Number 6, June 1973
This article highlights the use of law enforcement to control and suppress a group of African American Muslims perceived as a threat. Police arrived at a peaceful meeting heavily armed. They attacked the group and in the melee that followed, several people were killed. The indications are that a request from law enforcement could have peaceably brought the meeting to a close, but the intent seemed to be intimidation.
Volume 32, Number 4, April 1974
This article highlights the tactics of white police officers to harass an African American rape suspect. Perhaps the clearest example of law enforcement enforcing white supremacy. The intimidation and harassment and trying to establish him as being armed so that lethal force could be used accompany the use of a racial pejorative.
