Bonita Carter: Difference between revisions
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'''Bonita Carter''' (born c. [[1958]]) was twenty years old and living with her parents when she was shot by [[Birmingham Police Department|Birmingham police officer]] [[George Sands]] | '''Bonita Carter''' (born c. [[1958]]) was twenty years old and living with her parents when she was shot by [[Birmingham Police Department|Birmingham police officer]] [[George Sands]], responding to an altercation at [[Jerry's Convenience Store]] in the [[Kingston neighborhood]]. | ||
Though she had committed no crime, Carter was accompanying a man who had been arguing with the store's clerk and was getting into his car when Sands shot her. Though she was shot several times at close range, a citizen review board ruled that Sands' actions were justified. | |||
Sands was supported by the [[Birmingham Fraternal Order of Police]] as well as the [[Ku Klux Klan]]. Tensions rose as a group of white citizens brandishing arms drove through Kingston to show support for Sands. Residents armed themselves, raising the threat of an all-out riot. The city won a court order to keep groups of more than three from demonstrating in the neighborhood. | That finding, and Mayor [[David Vann]]'s subsequent support for Sands, who already had as many as six outstanding complaints for excessive force, provoked mass demonstrations and reignited protests against suspected systematic brutality against African Americans. The Kingston neighborhood itself became ground zero for people on both sides of the issue looking to make trouble. Guns were fired into the air, one person was injured by a thrown brick and several people were arrested in the area. A group of 50 whites, including members of the [[Ku Klux Klan]] confronted 25 picketers at a store owned by [[Jerry Huff]], who also owned the store where Carter was shot. Police kept the groups separated, though taunts and slurs continued to be hurled. | ||
Sands was supported by the [[Birmingham Fraternal Order of Police]] as well as the [[Ku Klux Klan]]. Tensions rose as a group of white citizens brandishing arms drove through Kingston to show support for Sands. Residents armed themselves, raising the threat of an all-out riot. The city won a court order from judge [[William Barber]] to keep groups of more than three from demonstrating in the neighborhood. | |||
The case was largely credited with undercutting support for Vann in the black community and making it possible for [[Birmingham City Council]]or [[Richard Arrington, Jr]] to launch a successful bid to become the city's first African American [[Mayor of Birmingham|mayor]]. | The case was largely credited with undercutting support for Vann in the black community and making it possible for [[Birmingham City Council]]or [[Richard Arrington, Jr]] to launch a successful bid to become the city's first African American [[Mayor of Birmingham|mayor]]. | ||
Revision as of 20:20, 22 June 2009
Bonita Carter (born c. 1958) was twenty years old and living with her parents when she was shot by Birmingham police officer George Sands, responding to an altercation at Jerry's Convenience Store in the Kingston neighborhood.
Though she had committed no crime, Carter was accompanying a man who had been arguing with the store's clerk and was getting into his car when Sands shot her. Though she was shot several times at close range, a citizen review board ruled that Sands' actions were justified.
That finding, and Mayor David Vann's subsequent support for Sands, who already had as many as six outstanding complaints for excessive force, provoked mass demonstrations and reignited protests against suspected systematic brutality against African Americans. The Kingston neighborhood itself became ground zero for people on both sides of the issue looking to make trouble. Guns were fired into the air, one person was injured by a thrown brick and several people were arrested in the area. A group of 50 whites, including members of the Ku Klux Klan confronted 25 picketers at a store owned by Jerry Huff, who also owned the store where Carter was shot. Police kept the groups separated, though taunts and slurs continued to be hurled.
Sands was supported by the Birmingham Fraternal Order of Police as well as the Ku Klux Klan. Tensions rose as a group of white citizens brandishing arms drove through Kingston to show support for Sands. Residents armed themselves, raising the threat of an all-out riot. The city won a court order from judge William Barber to keep groups of more than three from demonstrating in the neighborhood.
The case was largely credited with undercutting support for Vann in the black community and making it possible for Birmingham City Councilor Richard Arrington, Jr to launch a successful bid to become the city's first African American mayor.
References
- Jackson, J. D. (June 21, 2009) "MY VIEW: Lest we forget Bonita Carter." Birmingham News editorial