Shante Needham
Essential Question
How are African Americans viewed by police?
Themes from Truth Testimonies
- Problematic Mainstream Media
- Unjust Legal System
- Militarization of Police
- Grief/Trauma
- Structural Poverty
- Mass Incarceration
Description
Truth Teller Shante Needham is the sister of Sandra Bland. A high-profile case, Sandra was arrested and incarcerated for a traffic violation and died in prison custody under suspicious circumstances. Her family and those who knew her share a different story from police and prison accounts.
Learning Opportunities for Community Leaders and Educators
Explain to participants that they will view Shante’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 his story.
Guiding questions (Stop & Discuss)
- How would you describe the way in which some news outlets initially represented Sandra Bland?
- What common themes emerged for you as you observed how the media portrayed her arrest and incarceration?
- What inferences can you make as to why Sandra was arrested and placed in jail?
- What would you change, if anything, if you could?
- If Sandra was white, do you think she would still be alive?
Extension
The death of Sandra Bland sparked the hashtag #ifIdieinpolicecustody, which features African American people declaring that they would never commit suicide in the custody of the police. Write a description of your own declaration. What would you want your family and world to know if you were faced with the uncertainty of your safety?
Resources
Sandra Bland’s family settles for $1.9M in wrongful death suit