On October 22, 2024, National Police Brutality Day will mark the 29th annual day of protest aimed at raising awareness and seeking justice for those impacted by police violence. This day is critical for highlighting the long-standing issue of police brutality, which disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities in the United States. Families who have lost loved ones, such as Ashley McKenzie, whose son Jaylin was shot by Memphis police in 2022, continue to lead the charge for accountability and change. Their stories serve as heartbreaking reminders of the urgency of this cause.
In Georgia, impacted families are turning grief into action. Over the weekend of October 20-22, 2024, mothers who lost their children to police violence handed out senior care boxes in honor of Kathryn Johnston, a 92-year-old woman shot by police in 2006. These efforts not only honor the victims but also bring attention to the devastating and often under-reported impact of police brutality on families.
The call for local, state, and federal action to address police misconduct is growing louder each year. Advocates argue that without proper reforms and oversight, trust between law enforcement and communities, particularly in Black neighborhoods, will continue to erode. Recognizing National Police Brutality Day is crucial to ensuring that the conversation around police violence remains in the public eye, encouraging both reflection and action.
