This is a story so remarkably sad that it is extremely difficult for this essayist to approach. A one year old child is dead at the hands of those given the use of the most resources to protect him. I was not there, I will probably never know exactly the circumstances or events that took place. In the end, to me, they are irrelevant. A one year old boy with all the promise that entails, is gone in the results of an entirely avoidable and unforgivable situation.
Forget blame, although accountability must follow if this tragedy is to become less possible in the future, forget anger for the moment. I am personally grieving this death, this senseless, almost overwhelmingly tragic and hope-stealing death.
I will address several issues in the days to come; use of force, police accountability, racism and the need for community in our lives. But for now, I am simply and deeply grieving this loss. Its simply the saddest thing I have heard in years.
My support and condolences to the Wiley family and Senatobia-at-large (although I fear that means almost nothing beyond the space it took up in this writing). If its any consolation, I share your pain.
May God keep watch over you and yours. Amen.
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