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It is as if we have reentered the past and are living in a…

“It is as if we have reentered the past and are living in a second Nadir: It seems the rate of police killings now surpasses the rate of lynchings during the worst decades of the Jim Crow era. There was a lynching every four days in the early decades of the twentieth century. It’s been estimated…” quote by Jesmyn Ward
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““It is as if we have reentered the past and are living in a second Nadir: It seems the rate of police killings now surpasses the rate of lynchings during the worst decades of the Jim Crow era. There was a lynching every four days in the early decades of the twentieth century. It’s been estimated that an African American is now killed by police every two to three days.””

Jesmyn Ward

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote highlights a disturbing rise in police killings of African Americans, comparing it to historic lynchings, suggesting a new, severe form of racial violence.

In simple terms: Police killings now rival historic lynchings.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and confront modern racial violence.

Themes

racism justice police violence history systemic oppression

Mood

angry urgent somber

Type

activist analytical historical

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • policy reform
  • community education
  • media reporting

Key Concepts

racial trauma state violence historical comparison

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we accurately measure and address contemporary racial violence?
  • What policies could reduce police killings?
A Different Perspective

The comparison may oversimplify complex data trends.

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