Mya Aaten-White
Essential Question
What responsibilities do our social systems have in supporting the rights of citizens to know the truth?
Themes from Truth Testimonies
- Grief/Trauma
- Militarization of Police
- Unjust Legal System
- Structural Poverty
- Problematic Mainstream Media
Description
Truth Teller Mya Aaten-White is a Howard University graduate and artist. She was shot in the head during a peaceful youth rally 3 days after Michael Brown, Jr. was murdered in Ferguson. The bullet from her head was confiscated at the hospital after its removal, and two months passed before a police report was filed. Overlooked by the media and not acknowledged by the police, Mya’s story speaks to the power of truth and love as healing and as a way to move toward the future.
Learning Opportunities for Community Leaders and Educators
Explain to participants that they will view Mya’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 her story.
Guiding Questions (Stop & Discuss)
- What role can family and community play when social systems fail?
- Who holds the media, medical, and legal systems accountable for upholding the rights of all U.S. American citizens?
- How do we hold social systems accountable?
- How did withholding evidence of Mya’s shooting (the bullet removed from her head) benefit the police department?
- Why do you think lawyers did not pursue her request for an investigation?
- What is lost when the truth is not told?
- How can the power of truth and love as healing contribute to solutions to police violence?
Extension
You are an investigative reporter who stood next to Mya at the peaceful protest when she was shot. You saw what happened and you went to the hospital with her. After she was released and there were no media accounts or evidence of the actual shooting, you conduct your own investigation. What do you do? Who do you talk to? How do you uncover the evidence? Write a summary of your investigation and findings.
Resources
Ferguson Police Have Case File for Mya Aaten-White, Bullet’s Location Still in Question
Howard University Graduate Mya Aaten-White Shot in Ferguson, Missouri
Mya Aaten-White, Ferguson Shooting Victim, Says Police Have Not Interviewed Her
Mya Aaten White Ferguson Police Shooting Victim
Who Shot Mya?: One Story of Activism & Resilience in Ferguson