At present, March 13, 2025, marks 5 years since Breonna Taylor, a Black girl, was killed after former cops from Louisville Metro Police Division compelled entry into her dwelling and shot her whereas she was sleeping. Since then, Brett Hankison was discovered responsible of depriving Taylor of her civil rights by a federal jury for utilizing extreme power. He was scheduled for sentencing this week.
In remembrance of Taylor, EBONY revisits our 2022 emotional dialog with Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mom and EBONY’s 2022 Energy 100 Social Justice Award honoree, who has fought tirelessly for her daughter’s rights and remembrance, setting a precedent hardly ever seen in conditions of violence invoked by state regulation enforcement.
EBONY: What brings you solace as you’re employed to repeatedly uphold your youngster’s legacy?
Tamika Palmer: That’s easy. I’ll should say the indictments and the pure indisputable fact that the individuals who wronged Breonna should reply to that. That brings me solace.
As a mom, how would you like the world to recollect Breonna? How can folks honor her legacy day by day?
We wish folks to recollect Breonna as we, her household, keep in mind her. Breonna was a enjoyable, loving and caring one who would give her shirt off her again to assist anybody in want. She was an individual who might carry folks collectively regardless of the state of affairs and all of us obtained to witness that as she introduced the world collectively to face for her. To honor her day by day is to remain the course as we’re nonetheless not performed preventing for justice. We have now indictments proper now, not convictions simply but, so we’ve to repeatedly say her title and stand for her as a result of she will’t.
Since this unlucky tragedy, the Black group has tapped into its fortitude by rallying behind efforts to result in justice for Breonna. How have you ever discovered energy from the Black group and group throughout this time?
The Black group stood within the hole for me on days I didn’t assume doable. The fantastic factor is that it was not simply the Black group who did this however the world group at-large. For that, I’m endlessly grateful. They gave me days to relaxation and get my psychological well being collectively. This was so very important because it this allowed me to regain my energy in order that I’ll stand and combat for others in the identical or a worse state of affairs than me and my household. This was performed all whereas additionally sharing and educating me methods to do it
How do you Transfer Black Ahead?
I transfer Black ahead by persevering with to carry folks, together with regulation enforcement, accountable for treating our lives as if we aren’t equal or vital. I transfer Black ahead by not erasing our historical past just because others don’t need it to suit into the construction for a brighter future.
The Breonna Taylor Basis and Till Freedom proceed to prioritize racial justice and uplifting the legacy of these our group have misplaced too quickly.
Learn the total article, which additionally options Ahmaud Arbery‘s mom, Wanda Cooper-Jones, talking about her son’s legacy.