The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘History shows excuses can be made, it’s what infuriates the black community’
Washington D.C. native Rick Leonard talks to Stephen Fernane about the protests in his home city and across the United States of America following the death of George Floyd in police custody recently.
RICK Leonard grew up in Washington D.C., just a short drive away from the White House – the scene of nightly rioting since the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis. Washington is one of over 30 cities across the US to erupt in public anger, looting and peaceful protests this past week.
Rick lives in Tralee with his wife and children but the former Tralee Tigers basketball star’s attention is firmly fixed on events unfolding back home in the US in recent days.
“When I saw the video I was angry at first and then sad,” Rick said.
“He was kneeling on him for nine whole minutes as the other police officers there were looking on at this. His (Floyd’s) hands were cuffed behind his back.
“To think this type of stuff is still going on in 2020. We, as people, black and white, haven’t learned anything,” he added.
Watts 1965, Detroit 1967, Los Angeles 1992, Ferguson 2014 and Minneapolis 2020 underscores the fundamental point that racism is a constant in the narrative of America’s story.
“Some people still think racism isn’t going on, but it is and it’s a pity,” Rick added.
Rick’s brother is a police officer in Maryland and he has been in touch with him to talk about the riots. Rick understands more than most the anger felt within the black community at present, but he said looting only takes away from the key message of tackling racism and finding justice.
“The looting is being done by a minority within a minority,” he said.
“It’s opportunistic with some people taking advantage of what is a terrible situation. To loot and try and burn down your own community, no one is really going to listen to that, it’s just going to create more violence.
“There are some great examples of peaceful protests taking place, but the only thing that’s going to get reported is the looting,” he said.
Rick admits to experiencing racism both growing up in Washington, and also while living here in Kerry.
“Yes, I experienced it, but obviously not to the extent of this case. Growing up, when we’re out and you got stopped, you learn to be respectful to police officers and keep your head so that the situation doesn’t escalate in the way it potentially can. Racism still happens, even here in Tralee you can get the odd person who will say ‘go back to your own country’, it’s just sad.”
Rick believes the only hope for America’s racial divide is for white people and black people to join together. He doesn’t see this is a simplistic request but rather one that can change the chain of power in the US from politicians down to police officers. Being made ‘accountable’ for racist actions is also essential.
“Looking at the video of Floyd’s death is one of the most distressing things you’ll see. The officials will say ‘let the courts handle it’ and that these people will be charged, but history shows that excuses can be made, this is what infuriates people in the black community,” he said.
“All police officers, not just black officers, are going to have to take a stand on this sort of behaviour. It’s still happening way too often, it has always gone on, except the only difference is that phone cameras are capturing it now; it’s no longer just a black man’s word against a police officer.”
A belief that attitude reflects leadership is a real concern in the US right now owing to the divisiveness of President Donald Trump. On Friday last, Trump was temporarily moved to a safety bunker within the White House as rioters tore down railings along Pennsylvania Avenue.
Rick is adamant that President Trump has given voice to white extremism and racist insinuation since coming to office.
“With any successful system it starts from the top and works its way down. Trump is like the poster child for racism, he is inciting all this stuff,” he said.
“He wants to make America great again, but all he has done is divide the country from the beginning. If Donald Trump had his way he would build walls around different communities. I’ve yet to hear him come out with anything substantial in relation to this situation.
“There is just a total lack of empathy from the guy. Thankfully my friends in D.C. are posting me videos of peaceful protests going on, that’s the way we need to go,” Rick concluded.