People are still saying Breonna Taylor’s name in the streets. The officers that killed her have not been arrested, and people are battling the young, Black, Republican Attorney General over this lack of justice. In the midst of all this, Breonna’s family has revealed some explosive things.
Breonna Taylor’s family is suing the police, and their case alleges that her killing was a part of a police operation to clear a block in western Louisville for gentrification. Some city leaders have denied this, but the claim isn’t so far-fetched when you consider what’s being said.
Gentrification and policing are connected. “Revitalization” and development mean more police, more surveillance, and as a result, more racism against Black people. Police become a strategic way to help displace Black residents through criminalization, and newcomers know how to help.
Gentrifying residents often use the police against Black residents. Militarized police tactics like no-knock warrants, which left Breonna alive but untreated for several minutes after police shot her, terrorize our neighborhoods. We should be clear about this.
Black neighborhoods can’t rely on police – and gentrification increases policing. If we prioritize resources like fair housing for all and community land trusts in our communities instead of police, we can fight gentrification and police violence at the same time!