Against the coronavirus and racism, the double war of African-Americans

Audio 01:39

Text by: RFI Follow

Nothing seems to appease the anger after the death of Georges Floyd, this African-American asphyxiated by a policeman from Minneapolis, according to the last autopsy. Faced with racism by law enforcement for decades, black Americans are desperate to see a change. Report to Prince Georges in Maryland, one of the richest black counties in the country.

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With our special correspondent in Prince George, Anne Corpet

Zenobia Shepherd takes a shopping cart. She goes shopping 20 km from her home to avoid stocking up in the supermarket where her daughter, Leilani, cashier, who died at 27 years of the coronavirus, worked. His bosses had not wanted to provide protective equipment.

"  We are waging two wars, " she explains: the one against Covid-19, and the one against racism. There is no more peace. We are at war. So I pray. I pray that we find a vaccine, and I pray that we treat the black community better.  "

A little further down the parking lot of this supermarket, Garnell Wilson and his wife Angie fill the trunk of their car. They are not surprised at the outbreak of violence in the country.

"  We are tired of seeing black men being killed," laments Garnell Wilson. We tried to protest peacefully, but it fell on deaf ears. So this is the result. This is what happens when you ignore the oppressed people.  "

For his wife Angie, “  the death of Georges Floyd was the last straw that made the vase overflow. And I am happy to see that it is not only African-Americans who are demonstrating. These events are necessary and it is a pleasure to see that there are events across the country at the moment.  "

Health authorities are worried about the increase in demonstrations and the use of tear gas, which makes protesters cry and cough. They fear that this movement of anger will lead to a new wave of contamination in a community already very affected by the virus.

► To listen: The big American companies in solidarity with the black cause

"  A president who does not respond to the crisis  "

Garnell Wilson said that only the departure of Donald Trump will provide hope for change. "  I pray for change but I don't think we will see the color until he leaves the White House." Unfortunately we have a president who does not respond to the crisis. It stirs up the fire. He says things like, "If you loot, we shoot!" It's almost like he wants to see the country burn! He lets all racists and fanatics go ahead and they feel free.  "

The American president is, in the eyes of Garnell Wilson, at the origin of the aggravation of the police violence against the blacks. "  It was this guy who told the police to brutalize people. "Manhandle them, don't be too nice", that's what he said. "Don't be too nice!" I mean: it inspires violence, it promotes it, it's crazy!  "

Garnell Wislon recognizes this, the problem is not new. “  The United States has never solved the problems of the African American community. I have been arrested countless times, thrown face down on the ground. I was arrested when they were looking for a suspect in a blue car and my car is red! So this kind of problem has always existed, but I think they are at their maximum right now because we have a bad leader.  "

► Read also: Demonstrations in the United States: a general rehearsal of the presidential election?

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• United States
• Racism

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