Rita and VonDerrit Myers Sr.
Essential Question
Why does racial profiling matter?
Themes from Truth Testimonies
Militarization of Police
Structural Poverty
Problematic Mainstream Media
Grief/Trauma
Mass Incarceration
Description
Truth Tellers Rita and VonDerrit Myers Sr. lost their son VonDerrit Myers Jr. two months after Michael Brown Jr. was shot. VonDerrit Myers Jr. was shot by police at least 8 times, including 6 times from behind. Their story illustrates patterns of police behavior that include targeting, mistreatment, and violence based on race. Rita’s and VonDerrit’s story addresses the need to build strong, unified solidarity among the diverse groups of the human family to combat police brutality and corruption against People of Color.
Learning Opportunities for Community Leaders and Educators
Explain to participants that they will view Rita’s and VonDerrit’s testimony and that you will pause the video for a “stop and discuss” process at points where questions emerge. Allow for discussion and continue viewing their story.
Guiding questions (Stop & Discuss)
What does the Black Lives Matter movement mean to you?
What does the All Lives Matter movement mean to you?
Why do you think some people make a distinction, and why does it matter?
Why do you think so many different cultures/groups support the Black Lives Matter movement at this time?
For you, what is forgiveness?
Do you believe all acts warrant forgiveness?
How do you think police who kill young Black men need to be held accountable for their actions?
How does the physical evidence of VonDerrit Jr.’s shooting differ from police reports, and how do you explain the differences in the accounts?
How does the media representation of VonDerrit differ from his mother’s portrayal of her son? Why do you think the media chose to depict VonDerrit Jr. in that way? What does this indicate about the reliability of the news source?
Extension
This activity draws from lessons from Teaching Tolerance. Fold a piece of paper in half vertically. On the left side, write “What I know about racial profiling,” and on the right, write “What I want to know about racial profiling.” Download the handout on racial profiling (see the link in Resources). Discuss your responses in small groups. To conclude this activity, talk about how what you learn sheds light on why VonDerrit calls for building solidarity with other communities of color.
Resources