Hickory Hill is a residential neighborhood in Southwest Memphis. This community contains middle class houses that line the streets and residents that are predominantly Black. Cars slowly make their way around cul-de-sacs and folks are free to walk around the neighborhood. At the corner of Castlegate and Bear Creek Cove, there is a makeshift memorial. Some flowers have wilted, while others are still fresh.
On the night of January 7th, 2023, a brutal event would forever impact this neighborhood. That night, a young man was driving home after an evening taking pictures of the sunset. After being pulled over by the “Scorpion” police unit, the terrified man ran for his life. The MPD officers chased down and then beat the young man for three minutes. The cries for his mother could be heard around Bear Creek Cove.
Tyre Nichols was 29 years-old when he was murdered by Memphis police officers. Tyre was a devoted and loving father to his 4 year-old son and beloved by his family and friends. Loved ones described him as a kind and joyful soul—a light in their lives. He found joy and passion in skateboarding and photography. He especially loved taking pictures of landscapes, inviting people to view the world through his eyes. Tyre Nichols. Say his name.
The history of policing in the United States has roots in white enslavers creating patrols which sought to re-capture runaway enslaved people. After 1865, police departments enforced ‘black codes’ and routinely participated in racial terror lynchings. More recently, police officers often carry out the enforcement of drug laws and all too often brutally beat and murder suspects. In 2020, the American Public Health Association deemed police violence a public health crisis.
Alternatives to our system of policing can be found in the frameworks of restorative and transformative justice. Both aim to reduce harm in communities through responding to violence without harm. Restorative justice focuses on individuals and communities, while transformative justice aims to address systemic and institutional injustices. Tyre Nichols might be alive in a world in which we consistently practice restorative and/or transformative justice.
CHOOSE 180 is a non-profit located in Seattle working towards transformative justice though supporting youth who have been impacted by the systems of injustice. CHOOSE 180 envisions a future where youth are offered restorative practices as an alternative to traditional prosecution. Sankofa Impact was proud to partner with CHOOSE 180 during our Fall 2022 Pilgrimage to the South.
