Just hours after the media takeout story of the nine black lives that were taken by a gunman in Charleston, South Carolina, Solange Knowles-Smith apparently had a few words to say on the topic. Solange speaks on this issue because she has personally experienced racial violence, according to MSNBC . Last month, she wrote a tribute song for the Baltimore and Ferguson victims of police brutality and murder. Solange has now asked a bold and interesting question via Twitter.
Was already weary. Was already heavy hearted. Was already tired. Where can we be safe? Where can we be free? Where can we be black?
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) June 18, 2015
The Charleston, SC, Emanuel AME Church murder is the first high-profile incident of violence against black people where a police officer was not the shooter. However, the black community and supporters have noticed an extreme difference in the way white criminals are handled and the way black criminals are handled. The Charleston shooter, Dylann Storm Roof, openly expressed his racism on his public website. The shooter still managed to be arrested with his hands behind his back and officers escorting him from the church premises. Some people believe, based on recent events on black males being murdered by police, that if Roof was black, there is a possibility that he wouldn’t have made it out alive. Many celebrities took to social media to express what they think is privilege given to criminals who are white.
Solange’s question is one that seems to have no answers; however, the Charleston church shooter has managed to answer each of her questions with just one statement from his website.
“Even today, blacks are subconsciously viewed by White people are lower beings. They are held to a lower standard in general. This is why they are able to get away with things like obnoxious behavior in public. Because it is expected of them. Negroes have lower Iqs, lower impulse control, and higher testosterone levels in generals. These three things alone are a recipe for violent behavior.?.?. I have no choice.?.?. But by no means should we wait any longer to take drastic action.”
Dylann openly admitted that his actions were racially motivated, and even explained why he chose Charleston out of all the places in South Carolina.
“I chose Charleston because it is most historic city in my state, and at one time had the highest ratio of blacks to Whites in the country. We have no skinheads, no real KKK, no one doing anything but talking on the internet. Well someone has to have the bravery to take it to the real world, and I guess that has to be me.”
Solange Knowles is not the only celebrity who has found the Charleston murders to be saddening. Many others have used Twitter to express their sadness about the Charleston incident and the media’s reaction to it.
The media should be ashamed. 3 hours to get on air and then gives detailed suspect description WITHOUT mentioning his race. #Charleston
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) June 18, 2015
Everyday People are losing their lives w/ the uncertainty of a Russian Roulette game. do any of you care? really care? #BlackLivesMatter
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) June 18, 2015
In the 50s blacks were routinely attacked & killed at pools & our churches. THIS is the America they want back. #Charleston #McKinney
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) June 18, 2015
Authorities are still reportedly analyzing the online manifesto of Dylann Storm Roof. The targeted historic church, Emanuel AME Church, will reopen for services on Father’s Day.
[Image via Huffington Post ]
