As a Black woman, I am acutely aware of the terrifying reality that I could become the next victim of police violence. Each time I hear about another Black woman tragically killed by law enforcement, I experience a profound sense of numbness—not from a lack of feeling, but because the weight of these incidents hits me hard. Watching my fellow sisters reduced to mere hashtags time and time again shatters my heart.
The Haunting Case of Kiana Lewis
The recent case of Kiana Lewis is particularly haunting. She was shot in her own home while playing video games late at night with her young nephew, after a neighbor called the police for a welfare check. Instead of ensuring her safety, a white officer fired through the window, killing her almost instantly. This tragic event leaves me with the chilling thought: “That could easily be me.”
Kiana’s neighbor called the non-emergency police line upon noticing the door ajar and lights on. The officers arrived, saw her moving around, and within moments of demanding she raise her hands, one of them fired the fatal shot. The lack of identification or warning is shocking—less than 30 seconds passed before the gun was drawn. She had no chance.
While the officer has been arrested and charged with murder, that does nothing to change the reality that Kiana is gone. As a single Black mother living with my son, I often work late into the night. I can easily relate to Kiana’s situation—sometimes I’m awake, listening to music or catching up on tasks while my son sleeps. The fear that a cop could burst into my home and end my life in an instant is deeply unsettling.
The Broader Implications
This reality weighs heavily on my mind. I think of other victims like Malik Johnson, who was killed while minding his own business in his apartment. He too became a victim of a police officer’s poor judgment, as she mistook his home for her own. These cases highlight a terrifying truth: Black individuals are not safe anywhere, and the police are often not the protectors they are supposed to be.
Living in an apartment complex, I have learned to keep my distance from neighbors. While I can nod and smile in passing, I rarely engage deeply. The noise from above often disturbs my peace, and though it’s tempting to call the police during particularly loud nights, I refrain. I prioritize safety, knowing that a simple call could turn into a life-threatening situation for me and my child.
The truth is, as a Black woman, I could end up dead even if I’m the one calling for help. The police could arrive at my door, and without hesitation, they might decide to fire. It’s a chilling thought, and I refuse to dismiss it as paranoia. The ongoing violence stemming from systemic racism has shattered any trust I might have had in law enforcement. Rather than risk my life, I choose silence.
The Constant Threats We Face
Kiana Lewis’s tragic death reinforces the reality that Black women face constant threats to our safety. She was simply enjoying time with her nephew, yet the police only saw a Black woman through a window, leading to a hasty and deadly judgment. Kiana was a dedicated individual, striving to care for her family while being a responsible adult. Yet, her identity was reduced to the color of her skin, with fatal consequences.
The injustice faced by Black women is pervasive. We are often victims without recourse, especially when our killers are law enforcement officers. Kiana’s story resonates with cases like that of Tamara Greene, whose suspicious death remains unresolved. These stories highlight the lengths to which police will go to protect their own, showing little concern for Black lives.
What stays with me is the horrifying reality that Kiana was murdered in her own home, shot through a window without any opportunity for her to identify herself. I think about my own life—what if I’m cooking dinner and the police show up? I could be killed in seconds, possibly due to a simple mistake. Such thoughts weigh heavily on my mind and soul.
Kiana’s nephew now carries the trauma of witnessing his aunt’s murder at the hands of those meant to protect him. The idea of my son experiencing such horror is unbearable. The thought of him living with that trauma is one of my greatest fears.
Hope for Change?
While I want to believe Kiana’s death will result in systemic changes, I fear that the tragic killing of Black individuals will continue unchecked. The fear, anger, and distrust that stem from these events are valid and deeply felt. Black women contend with the threat of violence every day, even within the supposed safety of our homes.
I may not be a person of faith, but I find myself praying daily that I won’t become just another hashtag.
Resources for Further Insight
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Conclusion
In summary, the fear and vulnerability experienced by Black women in America are starkly evident. The tragic deaths of individuals like Kiana Lewis serve as painful reminders of the systemic issues we face. Our lives are profoundly affected by the violence and injustice that surround us, and the fight for safety and justice continues.