Gage Hendrix

Essential Question

What role do police play in children’s lives?

Themes from Truth Testimonies

Unjust Legal System
Militarization of Police
Grief/Trauma
School/Prison Pipeline

Description

Truth Teller Gage Hendrix’s mother, Kristine Hendrix, was tased 3 times by St. Louis police officers at a peaceful protest about police brutality in Ferguson. Gage’s testimony illustrates bravery and courage, and his story illustrates a range of emotions young people experience when witnessing a parent stand up for truth.

Learning Opportunities for Community Leaders and Educators

Explain to participants that they will view Gage’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 Gage’s story.

Guiding Questions (Stop & Discuss)

What images can you recall about the police in your neighborhood when you were a child?
What behaviors did your parents expect of the police?
Can you describe the ethnic and racial makeup of the community in which you lived?

Describe the first words that come to mind when you hear about Gage’s mother being tased by police.
How would you feel and what would you do if you witnessed the mistreatment of your mother or father?

If you were to interview the police officers following the tasing of Gage’s mother, what would you ask them?
How do you think police officers should behave in the presence of children in Black communities?

Extensions

Create a Healing Kit for young people who experience trauma as a result of witnessing police violence. Draw the items you would include on a poster board. Explain why you think these items are important contributions to healing children with trauma. Talk amongst yourselves about who should be responsible for providing this support for young people like Gage who are traumatized by witnessing their family members brutalized by police?
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about the role you think police officers play in children’s lives and the behavior you expect of them in the presence of all children from all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Consider how the behavior of police officers differs in these diverse communities. Conclude with your current thinking about racial justice.

Resources

Here’s how witnessing violence harms children’s mental health

Here’s what young people think about police violence and guns

The very real danger of tasers

Trauma of witnessing police violence is not lost on children