How #SayHerName Transformed the Fight for Racial Justice

In recent years, the phrase #sayhername has emerged as a powerful rallying cry in the fight for Racial justiceshining a light on the often overlooked stories of Black women suffering from police violence and systemic oppression. As we commemorate the tenth anniversary of this vital movement, it is crucial to reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment.

Birth of #Sayhername

Conformable NewsonThe term #sayhername was created by civil rights activist and African American Politics (AAPF) founder Kimberlé Crenshaw in 2014. It arose out of an urgent need to center the experiences of black women victimized by police brutality and violence. While the Black Lives Matter movement has gained prominence for highlighting the murders of black men such as Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, the stories of black women have frequently been overshadowed.

In 2014, several tragic incidents highlighted this issue, including the deaths of Tanisha Anderson and Aura Rosser, both of whom died at the hands of law enforcement. Anderson, a 37-year-old mother, was violently detained by Cleveland police, while Rosser, a 40-year-old woman, was tasered and killed in her home by an officer. These stories, often left out of media narratives, underscored the disproportionate impact of state-sanctioned violence on black women.

The rise of the movement

The #Sayhername campaign gained national attention in 2015, particularly following the tragic death of Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old black woman found dead in her Texas jail cell following a routine traffic stop. Bland’s death, which led to a suicide, sparked outrage and highlighted systemic issues surrounding the treatment of black women by law enforcement. Her case has become emblematic of the broader neglect of black women’s experiences in discussions of police violence.

In May 2015, the AAPF hosted a pivotal event in Union Square, New York City titled “#Sayhername: A Vigil in Memory of Black Women and Girls Killed by Police.” This gathering honored the memories of women like Alberta Spruill, Rekia Boyd and Shantel Davis, creating a space for families to share their grief and demand justice. Vigile catalyzed a viral movement on social media, amplifying these women’s stories and ensuring they are not forgotten.

In addition, the AAPF released a report titled Call Her Name: Resisting Police Brutality Against Black Womenoutlining the goals of the movement and highlighting the unique vulnerabilities black women face in a system that often devalues ​​their lives.

A lasting impact

Over the years, the #Sayhername movement has become synonymous with the lives of many black women who have faced violence at the hands of law enforcement. Notable cases include Breonna Taylor, who was fatally shot by police during a hit-and-run in March 2020, and Atatiana Jefferson, killed by Fort Worth Police in 2019. While Jefferson’s killer was brought to justice, the pursuit of justice for Taylor remains ongoing.

The #Sayhername movement has played a critical role in amplifying these disparities, drawing attention to the injustices faced by Black women. By highlighting the cases of women like Taylor and Jefferson, the movement forced these issues into the public consciousness, ensuring that their stories were discussed and examined on a global scale.

More than just a reminder, the #SayherName movement is a call to action, a demand for justice, accountability, and a reimagining of law enforcement interactions with marginalized communities. Advocates continue to fight for reforms such as improved accountability for law enforcement and community-based solutions to address police violence.

As we reflect on the past decade of the #SayherName movement, it’s clear that its impact has reshaped the conversation about police brutality, gender, and race, empowering a new generation of activists to push for systemic change that better protects Black women and girls.