This is part one of a two-part conversation. This interview was hosted by Jeff Epstein, who is also the host of the podcast Activist #MMT (Twitter, Facebook, web). This interview was recorded on June 17, 2020.
Today I talk with Shavone Torres, a core person for Black Lives Matter New Jersey and network rep for BLM national in the United States. Shavone describes her view of what happened to George Floyd, the hundreds of years of systemic racism that preceded it, and the protests and largely performative responses by companies, government, and the president. Finally, we discuss the differences between acknowledging ones complicity in society's ills, and doing something about it.
Resources
June 8, 2020 thread by Taniel of non-performative (if not enormous) changes occurring thanks to the George Floyd protests.
My interview with historian, author, and mutual friend of my and Shevone's, Keith Errol Benson. This was my very first interview with Historic.ly
My interview with Racial Taxation author Camille Walsh: parts and two
New York Times article: George Floyd, From 'I Want to Touch the World' to 'I Can't Breathe'
CNN article: New video appears to show three police officers kneeling on George Floyd
Police State for Black & Brown People