While the four police officers who were involved in the all-too-casual killing of George Floyd have been fired and arrested, the situation is not too similar for another victim of senseless police killing: Breonna Taylor.
The young Black female would have been 27-years old today, but she was shot and killed two months ago, when police barged into her apartment as she slept, to serve a search warrant. They believed that someone was packing drugs in her home, despite the fact that the suspect they were looking for had already been arrested earlier that day. Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, was there, and says the police did not announce themselves, and they used a battering ram to knock down the door. In response, Walker fired one shot-- he had a license to carry-- yet he was arrested and charged with attempted murder of a police officer and first degree assault. The police retaliated with over 20 shots fired. It's an unbelievable, yet all too common, series of events that resulted in an innocent life taken entirely by the police.
Taylor's family has since filed a wrongful death lawsuit, but the police officers involved have still not been charged-- they remain on administrative leave, while the FBI has opened an investigation. Even as more information on the history of the officers involves come to light.
The Game Once Met Breonna Taylor: Rapper Reminisces With Throwback Photo">JASON CONNOLLY/AFP via Getty Images
In honor of Breonna Taylor's 27th birthday, many high-profile figures are sharing her photo, using the hashtag #SayHerName, and advocating for justice on her behalf.
Among them, The Game shared a hearfelt message while showcasing a selfie he had taken with Breonna Taylor. We don't know the full story behind this selfie, but The Game reveals that she had asked for a photo with him, calling him by his real name, Jayceon, and citing their last name similarities.
"Today you would be 27 years old. Today you would be celebrating your beautiful life. Instead today we are in still in deep mourning because your life was taken from you prematurely at the hands of the Louisville Metro Police Department & 3 of its incompetent officers who entered your home with malicious intent serving a “no knock warrant” when the people the police were looking for were already in custody," The Game writes in the IG caption.
"Officers opened fire & shot you 8 times, killing you in cold blood because your car was suspected to be parked outside of a home they were investigating. A beautiful soul, taken from her family & friends due to negligent police work & a killer squad of officers in Louisville who simply had the wrong house."
As far as the photo: "This is a picture of me & you to remind people of just how big your smile was & though our interaction was brief, I can attest to the amazing energy you exuded & how genuinely happy you were to meet me this night. “Jayceon, you said to get my attention”.... as that always does”. I turned around & you asked for a picture & after you said “Thank you so much, we have the same last name & tell little Cali I said hi”. I appreciate you & I am the one thankful for the picture with such a beautiful soul. Your life was taken but your name will never be forgotten...... “BREONNA TAYLOR”"
Check out the photo he shared below. In response, fans have been overwhelmed by both his words and the image, thanking him for sharing and showing their support in the process.
If you're looking for ways to support this cause, please check here. Additionally, we've compiled a list of Black businesses to support.