Black Lives Matter Protest Philosophical Chairs Black Lives Matter Protest

Background Info: What is #Black Lives Matter? #BlackLivesMatter was created in 2012 after Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman, was acquitted for his crime, and dead 17-year old Trayvon was post- humously placed on trial for his own murder. Rooted in the experiences of Black people in this country who actively resist our de-humanization, #BlackLivesMatter is a call to action and a response to the virulent anti-Black racism that permeates our society…. #BlackLivesMatter is working for a world where Black lives are no longer systematically and intentionally targeted for demise. We affirm our contributions to this society, our humanity, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression. We have put our sweat equity and love for Black people into creating a political project–taking the hashtag off of social media and into the streets. The call for Black lives to matter is a rallying cry for ALL Black lives striving for liberation. Cullors, Patrice, Opal Tometi, and Alicia Garza. "About Black Lives Matter."BlackLivesMatter. BlackLivesMatter, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2015. <http://blacklivesmatter.com/about/>.

Background Info: The Issue On November 15, 2015, police responded to a domestic violence call where Jamar Clark was a suspect. Police say that Clark was interfering with the paramedics who were rendering aid to his girlfriend, and in the struggle Clark was shot. The entire confrontation was 61 seconds. Some witnesses at the scene say that Clark was on the ground handcuffed when he was shot. The police say he was not handcuffed, but was trying to take one officer’s gun. Black Lives Matter in Minneapolis protested the police following the shooting, camping outside the police precinct. On November 16, Clark was taken off life support and died. At the same time, Black Lives Matter protesters walked onto Interstate 94, shutting down traffic in protest.

Watch the video Watch the following video clip from CBS. Protesters demanded that the police release ambulance video of the shooting and the names of the officers involved in the shooting (they had not at the time, but have since released their names: Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze). The police said releasing the information and video would interfere with the investigation.

RAW Book Write about this video: Is this civil disobedience? Explain why / why not. Do you think this is an effective form of protest? Is it unwise? Explain why / why not. With whom do you sympathize more – the protesters, or the police? Why?

Aftermath Black Lives Matter continued a number of other protests, including an 18- day sit-in at the 4th-precinct police department, a march from the precinct to city hall, and briefly shutting down the Mall of America and causing significant holiday traffic delays.

Update It has been 2 years since Jamar Clark died. After an investigation, the police department determined that no charges would be brought against the two officers involved in the shooting. The investigation determined they did not break any police department policies. Some witnesses stated that Clark was handcuffed when he was shot, while others said he was not. The investigators stated that forensic evidence indicates Clark was not handcuffed when he was shot. The released video is inconclusive. The Hennepin County District Attorney’s office announced they will no longer use grand juries in police-involved shootings, which was one of the demands of the Black Lives Matter protestors.

RAW Book Use the Socratic Seminar handout to write 3 discussion questions about the video.

Focus Question: Was the Black Lives Matter protest in Minneapolis an effective form of civil disobedience?

Discussion Norms Speak one at a time Listen Keep an open mind Have one conversation – not side conversations Stay focused – put away phones, etc. I agree because… I disagree because… That reminds me of… That makes me wonder… What is an example of… What evidence supports the claim that…

Want more info? The Minneapolis Star Tribute as a complete timeline: http://www.startribune.com/what-we-know-about-the-death-of-jamar- clark/353199331/