Three hate crimes! Two charges for harassment! One charge for trespassing and over ten more counts! Edward Cagney Mathews got EXACTLY what he asked for. On July 6th, the world watched as he yelled racial slurs, used aggressive intimidation, and...gave out his address! What happened next would make our ancestors proud- the community showed up!
But first, let’s rewind! Mathews has been antagonizing his black neighbors for years! We’re talking about breaking windows with rocks, smearing dog feces on vehicles, and leaving threatening notes. We can’t help to wonder why it took a viral video and mob of people showing up at his door for this man to get arrested. And guess what, he mustered up the courage to apologize! He stated:
“There is nothing I'm going to be able to say that's going to justify me using the words that I used," he said. "Whatever I have to do to make it up to the community - and the world at this point, seeing how big it is - understand that I made a mistake, allow me the ability to move forward, just like we all deserve"!
Sir! No, thank you! No backsies! When will our people get a break? When will we be able to live in peace and without fear? If the video had not gone viral and had the community not shown up, Mathews would continue to antagonize his black neighbors. In fact, he was initially arrested and then allowed to go home! It was only after several prior complaints were found that he was rearrested- now without release until his hearing.
Through the negativity, we came together. Let us continue to show up and show out for the well-being of our people. We are not asking for respect, we’re demanding it. It’s a tough job to continue fighting with disadvantages, but, we’re qualified!
Shop our “No Damn Peace” T-shirt and let Edward know... we show up!
