Before Black Lives Matter, Six Days in Cincinnati: A Review
Six Days in Cincinnati recounts the riots in 2001 that ignited the Black Lives Matter movement.
February 21, 2017
The police-involved shooting of 19-year-old Timothy Thomas in April 2001, sparked days of riots and protests in Cincinnati, OH. The riots occurred specifically in and around the predominantly poor black neighborhood of Over-The-Rhine.
“Six Days in Cincinnati: A Graphic Account of the Riots that Shook the Nation a Decade Before Black Lives Matter” is a graphic-journalist account by Daniel Moore. The book tells the story of the days before and after the civil unrest that resulted from the shooting of Timothy Thomas.
The second release of the limited print book is set to hit shelves in June 2017. The book was first printed in 2002 with the title “Mark Twain Was Right.” That title was taken from an unknown protester’s sign that read, “ Mark Twain was right; Rodney King 1991; Timothy Thomas 2001.”
The sign refers to the quote attributed to Mark Twain in which he said, “If the world comes to an end, I want to be in Cincinnati. Everything comes there 10 years later.”
The book is pulled straight from the headlines of that fatal day, featuring a new personal testimony to map out each day. Moore mixes his own experience living in the area with these testimonies to create a comic that lays the foundation for the events of those six days.
For those unfamiliar with the 2001 riots, the book can be hard to follow. This works to the book’s advantage. News surrounding police-involved shootings and subsequent protests can also be hard to follow.
To the same end, the book references similar police-involved deaths which add to the convoluted nature of the book.
I would recommend the book to anyone. It’s a great graphic representation of events leading up to the riots and a perfect example of some of the events that led to the formation of the Black Lives Matter movement.
For me, the book was not my cup of tea, but it provides a learning tool and introduction for understanding and growth.
Avery Jarhman • Feb 21, 2017 at 11:15 am
I am curious to learn how many Americans are aware of the late popular American urban story-TRUTH-teller Tupac Shakur’s Child Abuse and Emotional Maltreatment concept?
Does the late American urban story-truth-teller Tupac Shakur offer a reasonable explanation for why significant numbers of American children are being impeded, hampered or prevented from maturing into reasonably responsible, well-adjusted American teens and adults who become scientists, engineers, business owners, educators and leaders?
Does Tupac offer a reasonable explanation for why Americans of African descent are being impeded from experiencing the equality and respect all peaceful, reasonably responsible Americans are entitled to enjoy?
How many of my American neighbors are familiar with the late popular American urban story-truth-teller Tupac Shakur’s (often misinterpreted) #T_H_U_G_L_I_F_E Child Abuse, Emotional Neglect, Abandonment and Maltreatment *AWARENESS* concept:
“The Hate U Give Little Infants Fvvks Everyone” ~Tupac Shakur
“We need more people who care; you know what I’m saying? We need more women, mothers, fathers, we need more of that…” ~Tupac Shakur
Tupac, an admitted emotionally ill adult who loudly spoke about experiencing childhood abuse and maltreatment during a critical period of human/childhood development, intelligently recognized not only are American kids being UNJUSTLY OPPRESSED, IMPEDED and DEPRIVED from experiencing their full human potential, as well as a SAFE, fairly or wonderfully happy American kid childhood…
…Tupac realized OUR NATION is being deprived of enjoying the potential achievements offered to ALL Americans by fairly or wonderfully happy kids maturing into reasonably responsible teens and adults caring about the future of OUR Nation, and the welfare of their peaceful, as well as less fortunate neighbors.
I believe Tupac correctly recognized Americans need to change the name of our “War On Poverty”, to “America’s Firm Resolve to End Childhood Abuse, Emotional Neglect and Maltreatment.”
Unlike Mr. Barack “My Brother’s Keeper” Obama and his presidential predecessors, I am hopeful our new president Renegade Republican Donald Trump will recognize improving the Quality of Life for our American neighbors of African descent begins with addressing HEALTH issues related to proper childhood care and environments.
I believe Mr. Trump should take meaningful ACTION to protect from harm our Nation’s most precious and cherished assets by placing an emphasis on EDUCATION about proper child care, as well as stepping up enforcement of Child Safety & Protection laws which will eventually lead to fewer depressed, unhappy, emotionally neglected/abandoned American kids…
…maturing into angry, frustrated teens and young adults full or half full of rage and resentment for irresponsibly being introduced to an emotionally and/or physically abusive childhood fraught with pain, struggles, torment, uncertainty, frustration, FEAR, demeaning government handouts, depression, sorrow, sadness, disappointment and hardships. :Childhood Trauma!:
Sadly, before he discovered how to properly promote his #T_H_U_G_L_I_F_E Child Abuse *AWARENESS* concept, Tupac joined an increasing population of deceased Americans murdered by America’s Culture of African American Child Abuse, Neglect and Maltreatment.
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Not only I am asking Mr. Trump to take meaningful ACTION protecting and preventing American kids from experiencing a potentially life-scarring, traumatic childhood…
…I am asking my American neighbors to RECOGNIZE and embrace the fact our imperfect human species will continue evolving, learning day by day about our human condition and physical world, slowly shedding our human ignorance and adapting as we continue plodding along trying to improve the Quality of Life for all human beings!
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My friends, during the 80s-90s I spent the first twelve years of my police career as a Brooklyn, NY cop, robbery and death investigator regularly witnessing significant numbers of newborns, infants, toddlers, children and teens, through no fault of their own experiencing a potentially life-scarring medical Disease/Condition known to medical doctors and researchers as “Childhood Trauma.”
“Childhood Trauma” is a REAL Disease/Condition affecting far too many American kids and teens who far too often develop into emotionally damaged teens and adults lacking empathy, compassion and respect for their peaceful neighbors because they believe their lives suck so why shouldn’t other people’s lives suck too!!!
Much like Tupac I’m sorry to pick on moms, though since ancient times they are the primary caregivers we look to keep us SAFE, protected, cared for and loved right from our start.
Peace.
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Tagged: #JamylaBolden, #TyshawnLee, #JulieDombo, #LaylahPetersen, #NovaMarieGallman, #LavontayWhite, #AyannaAllen, #RamiyaReed, #AutumnPasquale, #TrinityGay, #ChildhoodTrauma, #PTSD, #ShamirHunter, #FatherlessAmericanChildren, #A_F_R_E_C_A_N
“America’s Firm Resolve to End Childhood Abuse and Neglect”