“I’m not crying anymore. I will get justice from a higher power.” -Sandra Sterling.
Today Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced that the state would not be bringing charges against the officers involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling on July 5, 2016. In a press conference held by the Sterling family, attorneys representing the family said that the truth will be revealed, and the civil lawsuit by the family will play a major part in that.
For many that was no surprise, but what was most memorable to me was this quote by Sandra Sterling, one of Alton’s aunts, “I’m not crying anymore. I will get justice from a higher power.” I long for the strength and composure the Sterling family possessed today during the press conference, but I don’t ever want to feel that kind of pain.
As I discussed the verdict with my teens on our drive home from school, I admitted I am not strong enough, mature enough, or forgiving enough to conduct myself with that type of composure during a time like that.
After having recently met another aunt of Sterling, Veta Washington Abuselah, I worried how today would go once the announcement was made and felt inclined to reach out in some way, so I sent her a text this morning letting them know I was sending them prayers of peace and strength. I didn’t know how things would turn out. I secretly hoped justice would be served, but my intuition said it would not. So I didn’t know what to say to her, but strength and a peace of mind seemed like what that family would need going into their battle.
I couldn’t make the conference today, but I saw a news report that mentioned people crying, but from what we later witnessed from home, I saw them standing them standing there like soldiers. It looked to me like they had already prepared for the worst today, and they knew their fight wasn’t over yet.
I commend them for that, because in times like this, the world expects us to be one of two things, weak or acting like the animals and savages they liken us to. As my cousin and I watched from home, I anticipated Sandra’s answers before she responded, and each time she shocked me with her strength. As we shared our thoughts on the matter later, we both agreed, you can tell they have to be “into Godâ€.
Some of you may have come here expecting a news story, but no, I really just wanted to take a minute to highlight what I took away from that press conference, what I think many news outlets will overlook because they don’t ever bother to show us in that light. However, after the decision was announced more updates have been released, so I will simply list them below.
- The Baton Rouge Police Department Police Chief Murphy Paul says BRPD will now conclude their own internal investigation, of Howie Lake II and Blane Salamoni, the two officers involved in the shooting. The investigation is to be expedited and a ruling may be given as late as April 3rd.
- A letter from Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome to former police chief Carl Dabadie, Jr. imploring that Officer Blane is fired has been released.
- While the two officers have been on paid administrative leave since 2016, they have jointly acquired $130,000.
