A 2016 quote from Hollywood icon Will Smith has been doing the rounds in the wake of the George Floyd/Black Lives Matter protests:

“Racism is not getting worse, it’s getting filmed.” (1)

Before George Floyd there was Eric Garner in 2014 (perhaps a reference point for Will Smith) In between was Rashan Charles in the UK, caught on CCTV three years ago this month.  Even though it’s been filmed we’re being asked to ignore the evidence of our eyes and the killers of Rashan got of scot free in spite of compelling evidence, not only visual but procedural and legal, to the contrary. (2)

There are others Sean Rigg, Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Terence Crutcher and many more where the killing, or evidence that contradicted the police version was captured.  In spite of this, no justice.  Notable exceptions – too few – include the cases of Walter Scott and Laquan McDonald that resulted in nominal convictions. (3)

(1) The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (03/08/16) Will Smith Missed His Chance to be the First Black President. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdCTNas_YwQ

(2) Rod Charles (05/06/19) The death of Rashan Charles: Why I challenge the official story. https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/shine-a-light/death-rashan-charles-why-i-challenge-official-story/

(3) Tahira Benjamin (01/07/20) Europeans, Let’s Talk…. https://goknowwear.com/2020/07/01/europeans-lets-talk/

We ask the question:

Have we done Enough to Support Death in Police Custody Families? Part 4

1) How can we raise awareness of the UK deaths in custody cases?

2) Would some earlier cases have had different outcomes if they were filmed?

3) Will a Police officer EVER be convicted of killing an Afrikan in custody in the UK?

4) Why are such convictions possible in the USA but seemingly not in the UK?

Bro. Rod Charles: is the great-uncle of Rashan Charles, who died following police contact in 2017. He is also a former Metropolitan Police chief inspector.