I have a young activist friend I love. On facebook today I saw his post he was beaten and arrested by a cop–he said it was for obstruction and that he didn’t do anything wrong or fight back. His parents bailed him out. He showed photos of his wounds.
I feel sad. This friend is sensitive and brilliant. He has a radio show. He learns languages and draws pictures. He pontificates on anarchy and current events and identity politics. I wonder how this will change him.
I know it’s racist. My friend is half-Black. When white friends are arrested, I see how they’re treated, and when Black friends are arrested, I see how they’re treated.
I feel sorry my country failed my friend. I feel sorry about racism and slavery and history. I feel sorry about police behavior and what they get away with. I’m busy with peace work and radical mental health and zines and poetry. But I feel sorry I haven’t done enough against racism.
He was just here–he cooked vegan tortilla soup for the Sacred Peace Walkers on Sunday. I brought him ingredients in Freedom House and watched him squeeze a lime over the pot. I remember thinking how creative he is and how a brilliant person can be smart about many things and make good soup.
I think he might try to sue or find some kind of justice. I want to contribute money, but that feels lazy. I know police hurt people of color all the time. I feel stupid that I feel more when it’s my friend. But I guess that’s human.
Not sure what to do. But this is a blog post about it.
If you knew him, you might cry. He’s a miracle. Not deserving the slightest disrespect, let alone to be beaten then caged. My prayers are with him, but I don’t want to pray only. Let me know if you have any ideas.
