First time Quote by DeRay Mckesson
“I will never forget the first time I was teargassed or the night I hid under my steering wheel as the SWAT vehicle drove down a residential street. I will never forget that it was illegal - in St Louis, in the fall of 2014 - to stand still.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Testimony at St. Louis protest, 2014
The quote highlights the trauma of police aggression and the criminalization of passive resistance during protests.
In simple terms: Police violence and illegal suppression of protest are remembered.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and resist unjust authority.
Themes
protest
police brutality
civil rights
trauma
Mood
angry
determined
Type
activist
testimonial
When to use this quote
- public demonstrations
- legal advocacy
- community healing
- policy reform
Key Concepts
state violence
civil disobedience
legal oppression
Questions to Reflect On
- How can communities protect protestors?
- What legal changes can prevent such oppression?
A Different Perspective
The focus on personal trauma may overlook systemic solutions.
![“SWAT is already on its way. I'll be at your position in about ten minutes. SWAT should arrive in about fifteen to twenty." [Javier:] "I'll have her by then.” quote by Pamela Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e12/pamela-clare-3224_hero_swat-is-already-on-its-way-i-ll-be-at-yo_242254.jpg)
