OPINION: Breonna Taylor verdict exposes American racism

“The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” 

The words of praised civil rights activist Malcolm X were spoken over 60 years ago, but are still yet to be heard by all today. 

On Monday, Sept. 27, Officer Brett Hankinson pled not guilty for three counts of wanton endangerment for firing shots into apartments of the neighbors of Breonna Taylor. While the raid left one person dead, 26-year-old Breonna Taylor is still yet to receive justice. 

The same protests that have been taking place since late May are gaining momentum as well as media coverage because of the recent Louisville Police Department decision to let Taylor’s murderers walk free. The protests are expected to continue as long as Taylor is not served justice.

The systemic and institutional racism and sexism in the United States has never been so prominent, as a black woman’s neighbors are served justice before she is. America has failed to protect its most vulnerable. A black woman was murdered in her home by police while she was sleeping. This sentence is easily political. This sentence is susceptible to spark debate and irrational justifications. 

A woman was murdered in her home while she was sleeping. You can’t argue that. There is no way to justify it. No questions asked, this is wrong. Why is it that when a black woman is failed by the system, she is questioned? Why does the context need to be taken out of the situation to be seen as severe as it is?  

Breonna Taylor should still be alive today. The Louisville Police Department’s reactions and verdict on Breonna Taylor’s case shows exactly how black women are treated every day in America.