I can't breathe

Dear 5 Gyres Community:

It is deeply sad and disturbing that in 2020, we are still witnessing and experiencing the systematic destructive force of police brutality continue to intentionally murder black men and black women. The recent events of watching a Minnesota police officer blatantly kill George Floyd is rooted in the greatest evil and injustice. Even more disgusting, is knowing that the police officer knew he was being videotaped by many bystanders, yet continued to carry out his evil act, with his hands in his pocket, using his knee to stop the blood flow of George Floyd. This is evidence that the system is designed to empower this sort of murder which is directly linked to the mental framework and legacy of slavery and segregation in this country. This must end!

As we continue to serve our collective mission of stopping plastic pollution and disposables, let us not separate this injustice from the way the system of police brutality disposed of George Floyd. In that police officer’s mind, George Floyd was single use and didn’t matter. He must be charged with the maximum penalty as well as his fellow police officers who just stood there and watched. But that is not enough, the system of police brutality should be arrested. We cannot allow this to be how we leverage law enforcement. There are incredible good cops out there that truly want to protect and serve. But, they must speak out. We must speak out. We must take action because the fabric of systematic racism is still alive and well. But, as a black man, I too can’t breathe until this is resolved. I too, can’t breathe unless there is justice. I too, can’t breathe unless there is systematic change within law enforcement. 

On behalf of 5 Gyres, we are sending love and compassion to George Floyd and his family for their loss. We will continue to offer our support in efforts to eliminate the destructive forces of police brutality. 

Sincerely, 

Air Copeland
Executive Director, The 5 Gyres Institute