John,
It was a set up from the beginning.
The police, the judge, the court, mainstream media and every single system involved all wrapped their arms around Kyle Rittenhouse from the very beginning -- from even before the murders he committed. What this verdict reminds us of is that this is a nation deeply rooted and still very committed to white supremacy, and we must continue to fight against it.
The system was always meant to protect and uphold white supremacy. The system is working exactly as it is meant to.
We are not shocked by today’s not-guilty verdict. It is expected when white supremacy lives and breathes within our institutions. It is a reminder of how our legal systems are deeply rooted in white supremacy.
This is the exact kind of state-sanctioned violence, the protection of white-supremacist vigilante violence, that we’ve seen here and in the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the murder of #TrayvonMartin that brought us into the streets more than 8 years ago and birthed #BlackLivesMatter.
We have much work ahead of us. We cannot continue to accept a system that protects white supremacy.
So tonight, rest up fam. And remember, we keep us safe. We’ll be in touch soon with ways you can help in our fight for liberation.
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation
