Monday July 13th, 2015- Sandra Annette Bland’s body was found in Waller County Jail, TX.

Initially pulled over by Deputy Officer Encinia for failing to signal a lane change, a heated interaction ensued, and less than 24 hours later Ms. Bland was dead. How does this make sense? As is the current narrative of this country, it simply does not. Though the end of her life was legally ruled a suicide, many rationally label it homicide-  and an irrefutable elimination by the system. With the details masterfully muddied by the distractions of legality, they subsequently become unimportant, as the outcome stays the same.

Sandra Bland’s death is one of countless, non-indicted, brown deaths by police- and the primary fuel for Black Lives Matter protests of 2015. In her own words:

‘In the news that we’ve seen as of late, you could stand there, surrender to the cops, and still be killed.’

The sobering reality of this death is that no matter how aware, woke, or strong-willed a brown body- they are still inevitably subjected to injustice.

Now, Wednesday July 13th, 2016- we continue remember her life as a ammunition for protest, yet we freshly mourn the murders of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling by the same hand. 365 days later, what is different? 365 days later where is this society headed? If 365 days has shifted little, do we continue to protest? Is there a point?

When faced with a constant input of invalidation and languish, it may prove hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yet, for protestors everywhere, the continuation of injustice only serves as proof of necessity; necessity for action. 

We remember Sandra Bland, and we remember the weight of the fight we still have to conquer.

The depth of her recognition alone, is evidence of a turning tide- and our job as activists is to never be silenced; yelling louder for those that have been.

SANDRA BLAND: February 7, 1987- July 13, 2015

By Cree B. McClellan, AFROPUNK contributor