By Life Malcolm
The violence the Lakeland police, Christopher McKee and Jose Diaz-Acosta, did to Jahmal Hudson, Jr., on May 27, 2024, looked like a scene, from the 50s and 60s, when we routinely saw white police club, black people, with billy sticks, just because they were bullies, with badges.
The police response to the nonviolent encounter, with 16-yr-old Jahmal, was not only atrocious but unnecessary.
Unfortunately, that kind of violence, by police, against black people, still exists, in 21st-century America.
Such violence is a consequence, of the colonial domination African people, in Lakeland, the U.S., and throughout the world, face every day.
We are grateful that Jahmal survived the brutal attack. He may fully recover from the physical injuries that he sustained; he will, however, never recover, from the mental, and emotional trauma. Likewise, the brutal event will forever haunt his parents.
As Jahmal continues to heal, our law firm will continue to fight, for justice, in this case.
The community, meaning every person, who doesn’t want their child, or other family member, to experience such horror, should rally, for the right resolution, in this matter, too. We are delighted that Pastor Clayton Cowart, and P.M.J.A, are leading that charge.
The State of Florida should drop all charges, against Jahmal. The Lakeland Police Department should suspend McKee and Diaz-Acosta, without pay, until this investigation concludes.
Further, Lakeland Police Department should immediately make available all video footage of the attack that is in their custody, or control, available to the public. If they do not, then they must be hiding something.
Disgustingly, law enforcement violence, against black people, is a point of pride, in Polk County, from its leader, to the ordinary citizens parroting his hatred, in comments, online.
We look forward to the City of Lakeland, namely the Lakeland Police Department, taking this opportunity, to create a better relationship, with the Black community, which they claim to protect, and serve the same as the white community.
Editorial comment:
In full disclosure, Life Malcolm is an Attorney and represents Jahmal Hudson, Jr.
Lakeland Gazette asked for the body camera footage. Below is what we received from Ofc. Stephanie Kerr Public Information Officer Lakeland Police Department.
“The Chief of Police, Sam Taylor has already requested an administrative review by our Office of Professional Standards. In accordance with our agency’s policies and procedures, and in accordance with Florida State Statute 112. 533, we will not be able to release any other material related to this case until the administrative review is closed.”