Faith in Action

…but he was killed by staffers at the Bowling Brook School. After six guards suffocated him in a face down position until he asphyxiated, they threw him in the snow thinking that the cold would revive him. They waited 41 minutes before calling 911.

No one has been charged with anything related to Isaiah’s death. This is, in fact, state-sanctioned murder. Execution without trial, jury, or the due process of law. Execution without a last meal. A final phone call. A final family visit. A final meeting with his daughter.

As Dr. Joy Leary would say, they removed the dissonance that would naturally erupt in any human’s soul by making Isaiah non-human. For if he were human, then outcry would be heard from all quarter’s of humanity. If he were human, mothers would be moved with compassion to advocate alongside Isaiah’s couragous mother, Felicia. If he were human, his murderers would be arrested and charged. If he were human, other human beings would give a damn about what happened and wouldn’t rest until all children were protected, loved, and nourished in ways that would help facilitate the realization of their fullest potential.

But they’ve made Isaiah a non-human. A thing. A monster. An object. Just another poor Black boy from a poor Black family who made some mistakes and probably got what he deserved.

Though the Department of Juvenile Services had oversight of this youth correctional facility, even they have escaped accountability.

Isaiah was murdered by those who were responsible for his safety.

In this sad and tragic case, the Empire of Maryland has decided, rehabilitation looks like death.

Happy Birthday, Isaiah.