Talking to Students about Tyre Nichols
Facing History is pleased to share this piece from The 74 by Marianna McMurdock that was originally published on February 2, 2023.
The 74: What have you been hearing from educators and students in the wake of Tyre Nichols’s death and the recent release of body camera footage?
Dimitry Anselme: Emotions. A lot of students and teachers are sad. They are frustrated. For many of them, this will not be the first time that they have to have a conversation in the classroom around an episode of police violence or police brutality, particularly targeted toward the loss of a life of a young Black man. So there is a sense of déjà vu and people are really exhausted. Episodes like this contribute to the sense of sadness and powerlessness, like, ‘Oh my God, how many more lessons can I possibly do on gun violence, or the loss of life of a young Black man, or another police brutality incident?’ It feels like it is nonstop.
