Img source: sayevery.name
May 21, 2024 Story by: Editor
In an effort supported by the Field Foundation of Illinois, a groundbreaking initiative is underway to commemorate and preserve the memory of Black Americans who have tragically lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement, dating back to 1919.
Led by the national team of researchers known as “NON:op,” the project, aptly named “Say Their Names,” seeks to compile a comprehensive record of these individuals, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten.
Saba Ayman-Nolley, project coordinator for Say Their Names, expressed the profound motivation behind the endeavor, citing the ongoing pain and injustice surrounding cases like Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. The project aims to provide a platform for remembrance and healing, offering an interactive digital map and database accessible to all.
The Say Their Names project operates through the collaborative efforts of two distinct teams: researchers dedicated to uncovering historical records and narratives, and digital programmers tasked with maintaining and updating the interactive map.
Brian Beals, a fervent supporter of the project and a beneficiary of justice himself, underscores the importance of accountability and advocacy. Drawing from his own experience of wrongful conviction and eventual exoneration, Beals emphasizes the power of humanizing injustice through initiatives like Say Their Names.
Ronald Browne, the lead researcher on the project, emphasizes the significance of adding depth and context to the stories of those whose lives were cut short unjustly. By memorializing these individuals and sharing additional details about their lives, the project seeks to humanize their experiences and challenge the perception of them as mere statistics. Source: Yahoo
Crucially, the Say Their Names project invites public participation and contributions, encouraging individuals to provide input on cases not yet included in the digital archive and to share additional information about the victims’ lives.
For those interested in learning more about the Say Their Names project or contributing to its mission, the project’s website offers a comprehensive platform for engagement and involvement: Say Their Names Website
