While attention to police murders and assaults on Black people continue to mount, there is a unique opportunity to celebrate an instance of police intervention that apparently saved a Black life. That’s what former Buffalo, New York police officer Cariole Horne did 14 years ago. She forced a fellow officer to release a choke hold on an unarmed Black man that was handcuffed.
When she witnessed policeman Greg Kwiatkowski using excessive force during an arrest, Horne spoke up. She repeatedly asked him to release the choke hold. When Kwiatkowski refused, Horne jumped on his back and initiated a fist-fight that ended when she was punched in the face. Despite the risk of bodily harm and unimaginable professional persecution, Horne made sure the choke-hold was released, and the person arrested survived.
A dreadful chain of persecution followed, that included Horne loosing her job, pension, and enduring a grueling series of legal battles that rarely ended in her favor. It was only after receiving public attention spawned by the police murder of George Floyd that Horne finally began receiving the legal and financial support she deserved.
What a hero, a real-life angel, a courageous example of the power of one to safe-guard Black life! To learn more about the extraordinary Sister, deserving grand celebration and recognition, click here.