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Accountability in the Case of Elijah McClain
Why did it take a public outcry 10 months later?
The story of Elijah McClain is gaining traction 10 months after his murder. 10 months. Let’s let that sink in. Why now? Why is it now and not when it happened?
His mother, Sheneen McClain, watched people come out to demand justice for George Floyd. She was hurt to and saddened that it didn’t come for her son 10 months earlier. According to the Denver Post she spoke earlier this month on the Colorado Capitol steps, “I’m appreciative that you guys are out here now, maybe you guys were a little too busy in August last year.” Ouch. She’s right. Why did it take so long for her son’s story to be heard? It shouldn’t have.
I’ve watched the videos and I’ve read story after story about what happened the night Elijah McClain died. I share in my article “Elijah McClain: Say His Name” why his story hits me the hardest. His friends and family called him quirky. He had social anxiety. He even tells the officers, “I am just different.” Yet as he speaks and tries to explain himself he is handcuffed on the ground without being heard. NO one listens to him. Instead they talk about him as he’s throwing up repeatedly. They don’t even lift that 140 lb young man to a sitting position after he said he’s having trouble breathing and continues to vomit. It took…
