KSU Student Interview on Jason Harrison

I had the pleasure of interviewing Priscilla Almonacy, a student at Kennesaw State University who double majors in African Diaspora Studies and Sociology, about the recent tragedy of Jason Harrison. Harrison was a mentally ill man who was shot down at his home, in front of his mother, by a police officer who felt "threatened" by Harrison who was holding a screwdriver at the time.

Me:  

Did you hear about the incident before the video? And if you did, how'd you feel?

Almonacy:

I didn't hear about both the incident or video until early this morning. I saw a post about it (Ciara posted the wrong name on her Instagram so I googled it) and looked up the story/video.

Me:

Okay, after seeing the video, what was your first reaction? And how do you feel now?

Almonacy:

I cried. It's one thing to hear about or read about another black life being taken, but seeing it makes it more personal. I was, and still am sad and angry.

Me: 

How important is the "Black Lives Matter" Campaign to you?

                                                                                    Almonacy:

It's important in terms of awareness. Unfortunately many people don't know about the numerous deaths happening daily. It's also important to reiterate specifically to the white majority because black people (and brown people) are being killed by police officers and vigilantes at a higher rate than our white counterparts. However, it's now become a trendy thing to just say "Black Lives Matter", use the hash tag or put on a shirt. While awareness is great, implementation of policies is the ultimate goal. We need to create laws that end the terrorization of black people by police. We need to create laws that put these officers/vigilantes on trial. We need to create technology/training that gives officers an alternative to using their gun. Black lives matter is just step 1. The message is out already, now we need to take action to prove that black lives indeed matter.

Me: 

What can we as black people do to make a difference?

Almonacy:

Create our own spaces, and I'm not talking about our own TV network or award show. I mean police our own community, build our own businesses, plant community gardens etc. However personally, I believe black people aren't going to make ANY difference until they have self knowledge. Once we as a whole body of people understand and know who we really are, we can make a difference. Black history didn't start at slavery. We used to be Kings and Queens. Once we collectively go back to that mentality and unify, we can make a difference.

Me:

Okay last question, if you could say anything to Harrison's mother, what would you say?

Almonacy:

Honestly, just sorry. This shouldn't be happening period.

If you want, follow me on Instagram @theoriginalbougiehippie and I'm planning on relaunching my blog and possibly a supplemental YouTube channel so look out for me :)