Comments on: Let Us Not Be Weary: Discussing the Senseless Death of Darius Simmons

By: truth is more than color

truth is more than color — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 00:44:00 +0000

@MarloweOverShakespeare you speaking my language. Hopefully our people will wake up and realize this destruction is no accident. Shalom

By: Fox

Fox — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 00:29:22 +0000

So. Sick. Of. This. Open season on black males has no age range. 13 years old. What really PISSES me off is that these people (blacks included) believe they are justified in ending someone’s life. This case, however, is very painful because he was so young. It seems hopeless sometimes. I wish our communities were more unified.

By: Ms. Information

Ms. Information — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 00:22:22 +0000

WHY IS THIS NOT ON NATIONAL NEWS…LET A BLACK MAN SHOOT A LITTLE WHITE GIRL AND THIS WILL BE HEADLINE NEWS FOREVER…I am a little pissed, forgive the caps.

By: Bridget

Bridget — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 23:55:49 +0000

The look on this mother’s face is so heart-wrenching. I can’t imagine the pain she must feel. This situation and so many others like this one make me so fearful for my nephews.

By: The Best Anon Ever, Pt. 2

The Best Anon Ever, Pt. 2 — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 17:11:46 +0000

This whole story just leaves me tired to my bone. My heart goes out to the mother. I just cannot discuss it. I mentally cannot do so.

By: 414

414 — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:28:21 +0000

One thing I’d like to know: why was Alderman Donovan having breakfast with Spooner the morning before the shooting? I understand the city council members reach out to their constituents, but having eggs with the man implies a closer relationship.

By: Tonton Michel

Tonton Michel — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:03:13 +0000

No words.

By: Chad Goller-Sojourner

Chad Goller-Sojourner — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:00:36 +0000

“To be young, black and innocent is to live in a world full of folks who will always see you differently than you see yourself;” ─ It is to live in a world where folklore, statistics and conjecture deem black boys dangerous until proven otherwise. ─ I began carrying feminine bags around age 13 graduating to full on purses around age 21, and while my love affair with the purse has always felt natural, it became clear early on that when paired with my large frame and dark skin these well-crafted accessories possessed magical powers. Like the power to say “Hey white lady no need to clutch your purse, see I got my own.” or “Hey convenience store clerk don’t worry you’re safe, I’m here to buy” or “Hey officer I’m not the black you think I am, don’t shoot!” — (Excerpt From: Riding in Cars with Black People & Other Newly Dangerous Acts: A Memoir in Vanishing Whiteness)

By: bk chick

bk chick — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 20:38:14 +0000

“Too many are so hard-pressed to understand what motivated the aggressor, they’re willing to excuse his actions as somehow justifiable.”

This happens cuz of “belief in a just world.” Basically, people tend to blame the victim because they would rather believe there is a reason for committing a horrendous act rather then just pure maliciousness. It helps us trust our world more.

That being said, the level of disgust I have with this crime is beyond words for me. And think of all the other cases that get no media attention.

By: Lady P

Lady P — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 20:01:30 +0000

Cases like these do make us feel helpless. But Clutch/Stacia, you’re right, “Let Us Not Be Weary”. When I originally read this post; it immediately came to my spirit, Darius Simmons is “our next” one. Yet another black young man slain due to a senseless killing by “finding fault with the victim”. As mentioned by a previous poster, the John Henry’s generation is dying out. However, some of those ideologies are going to be left behind. These people are not stimulated by the law or moral persuasion. If they “feel” threatened, they will proceed. It is a natural instinct to protect ourselves. What I would like to know is – does this protection include the “LAWFUL” killing of our sons depending on who “feel” threatened? Will these killings continue to be okay in their eyes? If this is the case, as I stated after the Trayvon’s Martin’s killing, “who is next?” Since we know there’s a strong possibility of another senseless killing occurring, we can’t afford to give up. Regardless of being on one accord or not: discussions, innovative strategies, and community support (unity) must continue.