In the summer of 2024 the American midwest has been the epicenter of several notable police killings of Black people, including Sherman Lee Butler and John Zook, Jr. Sherman Lee Butler was killed by a court bailiff in a gentrifying neighborhood of Detroit and John Zook, Jr., who was killed in Wayne, MI. Both men were suffering from a mental health crisis during the time of their deaths. In both instances, local government officials continue to ignore demands for transparency and accountability from the community by refusing the release of body cam footage. This event looks to examine the cases of both victims and raise awareness about the ongoing dynamics and ever-present realities of police brutality in poor and working class, Black and Brown communities, while bringing forward the perspectives and demands for justice from organizers and community members involved in their campaigns.

Speical guests include Dr. David Goldberg, African American Studies Department and Tristan Taylor, Detroit Will Breathe.

Refreshments provided.