The Daily ‘Stay Black and Die’
Aug 5, 2020
Sharhonda Bossier, deputy director at Education Leaders of Color, shares her inspiring journey as an activist against police brutality. She reflects on the profound lessons taught by her grandmother about challenging authority and the painful history of her community. Bossier discusses the tragic story of Latasha Harlins, which opened her eyes to systemic injustice. The conversation also dives into the complexities of leaderless movements, the emotional toll on activists, and the transformative power of collective action for social justice.
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Childhood in Watts
- Sharonda Bossier, raised by her grandparents in Watts, grew up surrounded by music and discussions about race.
- Her grandparents instilled in her the importance of education, questioning authority, and staying true to her heritage.
Early Encounters with Racism
- As a child, Sharonda experienced a tense encounter at a store after wandering away from her grandmother.
- This incident, coupled with the later killing of Latasha Harlins, highlighted the ever-present dangers for Black children.
The Rodney King Incident
- The Rodney King beating and subsequent acquittal deeply impacted Sharonda and her community.
- The incident exposed the systemic injustice and fueled anger and frustration.