Killa Mike’s speech at the Atlanta Mayor’s Press Conference held in response to the May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd and ensuing protests displayed raw emotions. George Floyd was killed by police officers in Minneapolis on a Monday, Michael Render spoke on a Friday after four days of mass chaotic protesting. During that week there were a lot of things about the American Justice System that African-Americans’ had to process. The anger and frustration was warranted as the murder of George Floyd was just another example of African Americans’ being abused by a system designed to protect. George Floyd was accused by a store clerk of using counterfeit twenty dollar bill, the twenty dollar bill was worth more than a black man’s life. For eight minutes and forty six second Floyd laid on the ground struggling to breathe with an officer’s knee on his neck, in his last moments of consciousness he called for his mother who died two years prior. I could not bring myself to watch the bystanders viral video, reading and watching the news was enough to bring me to tears. The anger and frustration I felt was overwhelming, George Floyd could’ve easily been my dad or uncles. While one officer murdered Floyd three other officers stood guard, aiding an abetting police brutality. I understand why violent protests occurred. Black people are tired, I am tired. Why do African American’s have to beg for justice and equality? It is enraging and the protests that took place represents the Black communities anger.
With that being said Killa Mike’s address to the City of Atlanta was well spoken and deeply moving. I appreciate Render validated and acknowledged the feelings of anger felt by the younger members of the Black community. The rage displayed was understandable and he spoke to his own feelings of anger. While denouncing police brutality Killa Mike also acted as a role model to African America youth. He explains that the anger has to be taken out at the voting polls and not on the street; he uses the phrase throwing punches at the polls. I think thats really the what has to be done to address systematic discrimination. Although its difficult to hold in anger and wait for the lawmaking process to happen, destroying our own communities only hurts us. Killa Mike spoke passionately and his emotions were raw. He felt the out cry of the Black community, but he offered good incite on what actions need to take place to fix the problems being faced.
Olivia Coy Daniel 