Trinity, Triniya, and Trineita Walker
Essential Question
How do the police and media portray the human beings they shoot as criminals (“bad people”)?
Themes from Truth Testimonies
- Grief/Trauma
- Unjust Legal System
Description
Truth Tellers Trinity, Triniya, and Trineita Walker and sisters talk about the aftermath of their brother’s untimely death from police shooting in their home and at school. Their story conveys the power of community.
Learning Opportunities for Community Leaders and Educators
Explain to participants that they will view Trinity’s, Triniya’s, and Trineita’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 their story.
Guiding questions (Stop & Discuss)
- How would you summarize this family’s support for each other during times of tragedy and trauma?
- What would be some important things you would want to happen, from this case?
- What role can the community play in the lives of individuals suffering from trauma and loss?
- How would you describe the “interruptions” in the home caused by the death of their brother?
- What other stories have you witnessed where family members describe the loved one who died at the hands of police violence as different from how the police and media portrayed her or him? What purpose does this different portrayal serve?
Extensions
Participants should work in pairs to create a collage that illustrates the sources of family support from the community. The images in the collage should also include written captions that describe what the support systems offer the family and how families can give back to the community. The collages can be placed on construction paper or medium sized poster board.
Resources
Defamation of Character and Criminalization of Black People in the US
How News Networks Criminalize Black Victims of Police Violence
5 Times the Media Has Smeared Black Victims of Police Killings Since Michael Brown