The murder of George Floyd by police officers over an allegation of tendering fake dollars bill sparked not just outrage in the United States but anger around the world as people quickly mobilized against police brutality.
On Tuesday, 8th December, the world recognized the bravery of young Darnella Frazier whose video turned out to become one of the greatest piece of evidence and inspiration behind swift changes that was later effected within the police department in USA.
Darnella was honored for her bravery by PEN America, an organization that promotes free expression. She received the organization’s courage award.
On that fateful day, young Darnella had gone out to the store with her younger cousin when she saw a man handcuffed and face down on the ground. She captured former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee into George Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, in what turned out to be Floyd’s final moments.
The teenage girl however shared the video on social media and within minutes, it had gone viral, sparking change in her local community, leading to the firing of the four officers involved, a ban on police chokeholds, a federal investigation, and a global protest against police brutality and racism worldwide.
According to PEN America CEO, Suzanne Nossel;
“With nothing more than a cell phone and sheer guts, Darnella changed the course of history in this country, sparking a bold movement demanding an end to systemic anti-Black racism and violence at the hands of police,”
“With remarkable steadiness, Darnella carried out the expressive act of bearing witness, and allowing hundreds of millions around the world to see what she saw,”
“Without Darnella’s presence of mind and readiness to risk her own safety and wellbeing, we may never have known the truth about George Floyd’s murder.”
In her appreciation speech, the young lady who is currently a high school senior in Minneapolis, thanked the organization for the honor at the virtual gala.
“I never would imagine out of my whole 17 years of living that this will be me,”
“It’s just a lot to take in, but I couldn’t say thank you enough for everything that’s been coming towards me.”
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